12 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Supreme Court has interpreted the 'Right to Life and Personal Liberty' under Article 21 of the Constitution to include the right to live with human dignity. In landmark judgments like Common Cause (2018) and now Harish Rana, the Court has held that this dignity includes the right to die with dignity in specific circumstances of terminal illness or irreversible vegetative state.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states this is the 'first ever Indian court order approving passive euthanasia'. Statement 2 is correct as the court 'waived the usual 30-day reconsideration period'. Statement 3 is incorrect; while Gian Kaur (1996) is a historical precedent, the immediate and detailed legal framework applied was established by the Constitution Bench in Common Cause v. Union of India (2018), which the article cites extensively.

Explanation

The article states Harish Rana has been in a vegetative state 'since 2013'. The ruling was in March 2026. Calculating from 2013 to 2026 gives a period of 13 years. This tests attention to chronological detail often asked in prelims.

Explanation

The Supreme Court held that artificial nutrition delivered via a PEG tube is not ordinary feeding but 'a technologically mediated medical intervention'. This classification was 'decisive for the legal analysis' because under the Common Cause framework, only medical treatment can be withdrawn when it becomes futile. If it were considered basic sustenance, doctors would have no legal basis to stop it.

Explanation

The Supreme Court, in the Common Cause vs Union of India (2018) case, interpreted that the right to live with human dignity under Article 21 includes the right to die with dignity. This forms the constitutional basis for passive euthanasia in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Common Cause (2018) judgment is the landmark case establishing this right. Statement 2 is incorrect because active euthanasia remains illegal in India; only passive euthanasia is permitted under guidelines. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Harish Rana had been in a Persistent Vegetative State for 13 years following a fall at the age of 19. This factual duration is a key detail from the case.

Explanation

The core of the Court's reasoning, as discussed in the article, is balancing the individual's autonomy and right to die with dignity (under Article 21) against the traditional state obligation to preserve life. The Court held that indefinite preservation of biological existence without consciousness may not protect dignity.

Explanation

The Supreme Court has interpreted the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution to include the right to die with dignity, which is the foundational principle for its judgments on passive euthanasia, as seen in the Common Cause case.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Supreme Court rejected active euthanasia in the Aruna Shanbaug case; passive euthanasia was first formally allowed in the 2018 Common Cause case. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is correct, as the latest SC verdict specifically allowed the withdrawal of CAN, overruling the earlier view that it was not a medical intervention.

Explanation

As explicitly stated in the article, the landmark verdict in Common Cause v Union of India was delivered in 2018. This judgment recognized the legality of passive euthanasia and introduced the concept of living wills.

Explanation

The article states that experts pointed out passive euthanasia can be prone to abuse, with living wills being manipulated. Therefore, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to frame legislation. The core objective is to create a clear, legally robust framework that simplifies the cumbersome procedure while incorporating safeguards against misuse.

Explanation

As highlighted in the Supreme Court's judgment, a dying declaration is admissible under Section 32 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. This section provides an exception to the hearsay rule for statements made by a deceased person concerning the cause of their death.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article quotes the Court stating 'conviction can be based solely on the dying declaration' if credible. Statement 2 is correct as the Court noted 'overzealous investigation is as fatal to prosecution' and criticized framing cases on public perceptions. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Court suggested a dying declaration 'should ideally be recorded in the presence of a Doctor', not a Magistrate, making it not mandatory.

Explanation

The article clearly states the Supreme Court 'dismissed an appeal' challenging the High Court's acquittal and affirmed the acquittal, stating 'the High Court was perfectly correct in acquitting the accused.'

Explanation

The Court's critique emphasizes that criminal justice must be based on concrete evidence and proper procedure, not on public sentiment or bias. This upholds the foundational legal principle of proving guilt 'beyond reasonable doubt' through fair process, as opposed to the other options which contradict the judgment's essence.

Explanation

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is the specialized financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, responsible for enforcing the PMLA. While CBI investigates the predicate offences, the ED investigates the money laundering aspect.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the HC stayed ED proceedings against Anirudh Gupta. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court questioned the legal basis but did not make a final ruling that proceeds are extinguished. Statement 3 is correct as the ED's case was based on the 2017 UGPS case.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the ED initiated proceedings based on a case registered at Ulsoor Gate police station (UGPS) in 2017 against the petitioner's grandmother. This is the predicate offence year.

Explanation

The article's central theme is the court's deliberation on whether the ED can legally act under PMLA when the underlying criminal case (predicate offence) has abated because the only accused person has died. This is the fundamental legal question highlighted in the court's order and the arguments from both sides.

Explanation

The Supreme Court specifically directed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to expeditiously formulate and publish the no-fault compensation framework, as it is the nodal ministry for the vaccination drive and public health.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Court refused to set up a separate expert board, stating that existing AEFI committees were adequate. Statement 2 is correct as the judgment notes 'no-fault liability' is recognized in Indian law for motor vehicle accidents. Statement 3 is correct as the Court ruled the State's obligation under Article 21 extends to providing fair compensation for outcomes of public health interventions.

Explanation

The article states the government cited a reporting rate of 'just 0.001 per one lakh doses in India for certain clotting disorders'. The other options are close distractors but not the exact figure mentioned.

Explanation

The Court held that forcing citizens into individual legal battles would impose an onerous burden and risk inconsistent outcomes and unequal access to relief, which undermines the guarantee of equality under Article 14 of the Constitution. The other articles, while important, were not the primary rationale cited in this specific context.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued the Official Memorandum (OM) in September 1993 and the clarification letter on October 14, 2004, regarding the creamy layer criterion for OBCs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the Court ruled income cannot be the sole criterion. Statement 2 is correct as the 2004 DoPT letter was struck down for creating hostile discrimination. Statement 3 is correct as the judgment emphasized that such discrimination violates the equality doctrine under Articles 14, 15, and 16.

Explanation

The article states that the income limit for those not in the government sector was Rs 1 lakh in 1993, was revised over time, and since 2017, this income limit is Rs 8 lakh per annum.

Explanation

The Court held that the 2004 letter resulted in hostile discrimination between wards of government servants and those of PSU/private sector employees, treating equals unequally, thereby violating the equality doctrine under Articles 14, 15, and 16.

Explanation

The article explains that the distinction for permitting withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment flows from Article 21, the 'right to life', which the Supreme Court has interpreted to include the right to live with dignity. This forms the legal basis for passive euthanasia.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states this is the 'first application' of the passive euthanasia framework. Statement 2 is incorrect; black rain was caused by Israeli airstrikes on oil facilities, not volcanoes. Statement 3 is correct as per the data from trade sources and Kpler.

Explanation

The 'Do You Know' section explicitly states that the Strait of Hormuz 'handles approximately one-fifth of global liquid petroleum consumption'. This is a critical static GK fact linked to global energy security.

Explanation

The article's core analysis shows that with West Asian supplies halted, India's Russian oil imports surged by 50% to 1.5 million barrels per day. This was the primary and immediate market adjustment, highlighting India's import dependency and diplomatic pragmatism.

Explanation

The article states that inflation has settled below the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) medium-term target of 4%. The RBI, through its Monetary Policy Committee, is mandated to maintain inflation within a target band, currently 2%-6%.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: DSP Mutual Fund analysis shows CAD could rise higher than 3.1% of GDP if oil prices rise beyond $120/barrel. Statement 2 is correct: UBS analysis sees an upside risk of 30 bps to the fiscal deficit if oil prices remain elevated. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article discusses inflation risks but does not state that a repo rate hike is certain; the RBI's response would depend on a complex assessment of growth-inflation dynamics.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "if oil averages $100/barrel in 2026-27, the rupee could weaken to as much as 98.5-per-dollar, their analysis found." The other options are close distractors: 92 was the breach level earlier in the month, and 100 is a psychological round figure mentioned as a possibility in the narrative.

Explanation

The article opens by stating, "India has always been at the mercy of the world’s energy producers on account of the country having to import a vast majority of its fuel needs." This import dependency is the fundamental vulnerability that transmits global price shocks directly to India's macroeconomic indicators like CAD, inflation, and currency value.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated the investigation and USTR Jamieson Greer commented on it. The USTR is the lead agency for US trade policy and Section 301 investigations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The probe was initiated under Section 301(b), not Section 122. Section 122 tariffs are expiring. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is correct as the USTR cited India's solar module capacity being triple domestic demand.

Explanation

The article clearly states, "India had a trade surplus of $58 billion with the US in 2025." The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article's core premise is that the USTR is investigating "structural excess capacity and over-production." It quotes the USTR saying the probe focuses on economies exhibiting this through large trade surpluses or unused capacity. The other options are not mentioned as the primary reason.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) has advised State Pollution Control Boards to permit... the use of biomass... and coal as alternate fuels.' This is a static fact directly from the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the invocation of the Essential Commodities Act. Statement 2 is incorrect; the gap for urban households was increased to 25 days (not 45 days; 45 days is for rural/remote areas). Statement 3 is correct as per the minister's statement in Parliament. Hence, option B is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'This effectively means that roughly 55% of India’s LPG consumption volumes are currently unavailable.' The 60% figure is import dependency, and 90% is the share of imports coming via the Strait. The 55% is the calculated impact on total consumption.

Explanation

The minister explicitly stated that commercial LPG is sold in a deregulated market without controls, which in a supply crisis 'creates a direct and uncontrolled pathway for hoarding, diversion, and resale at inflated prices.' Regulation was thus a 'responsible course' to ensure supplies reach genuine users. The article clarifies it was 'not to penalise the hospitality sector'.

Explanation

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) consists of six Arab states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Jordan, while mentioned in the resolution as an affected country, is not a GCC member. It is a separate Arab kingdom.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favour, none against, and 2 abstentions (China and Russia). Statement 2 is correct as the resolution condemned Iran's attacks on GCC nations and Jordan. Statement 3 is correct as India co-sponsored the Bahrain-led resolution along with over 130 nations.

Explanation

The article states that the draft resolution submitted by Russia received four votes in favour (from China, Russia, Pakistan, and Somalia). It failed to be adopted as it did not get the required nine favourable votes.

Explanation

The resolution's core demand, as stated in the article, was the "immediate cessation of all attacks by Iran against the GCC countries and Jordan." While it condemned threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, it did not authorize military force or establish a peacekeeping mission. Economic sanctions for Iran's nuclear program are not mentioned in this context.

Explanation

PILs are filed under Article 32 (right to constitutional remedies in the Supreme Court) and Article 226 (power of High Courts to issue writs). The MC Mehta case is a classic example of environmental PIL adjudicated by the Supreme Court.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court directed pending applications to be allotted separate writ petition numbers within the Supreme Court, not transferred to NGT. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the registry was directed to register suo motu proceedings on NCR air pollution.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the PIL was filed by environmentalist M C Mehta in 1985. This is a key factual detail for Prelims.

Explanation

The article mentions the CJI noted that retaining the 1985 case gave the false impression it remained undecided for 40 years, when in reality only recent applications were pending. The closure was aimed at tackling this 'impression of massive pendency'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Union Health Ministry released the set of draft guidelines in 2024. This ministry is the nodal body for public health policies and medical procedures in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the primary board's consensus is required. Statement 2 is incorrect because the secondary board must decide within 48 hours, not one week. Statement 3 is incorrect as the article states hospitals must inform magistrates, but their approval is not required.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that the secondary medical board, constituted with a CMO-nominated doctor, has to take a decision within 48 hours. This is a precise procedural timeline from the draft guidelines.

Explanation

The article quotes an expert stating it is difficult to find doctors with the required level of expertise and experience in all hospitals for both the primary and secondary boards. This is highlighted as a key implementation challenge, alongside the slow process of states creating nomination lists.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'Union Health Ministry' released the set of draft guidelines in 2024 based on the Supreme Court's directives. This ministry is responsible for public health policy in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states hospitals must inform magistrates, but their approval 'is not required'. Statement 2 is correct as the secondary board 'has to take a decision within 48 hours'. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists these states as having commenced the nomination process.

Explanation

The article specifies that the secondary medical board, consisting of a CMO-nominated doctor and two experts, 'has to take a decision within 48 hours'. This is a key procedural timeline in the guidelines.

Explanation

The article defines a living will as a legal document that allows terminal patients to choose the measures they would or would not like when they 'no longer have the capacity to decide'. Its core function is to record treatment preferences in advance, not for property, organ donation, or finance.

Explanation

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), which is part of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The NSO subsumed the functions of the former National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; youth unemployment rose from 7.7% (2011-12) to 10.2% (2023-24). Statement 3 is correct as the article notes the unique decline in unemployment during the COVID-19 contraction.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the youth unemployment rate (usual status) in 2011-12 was 7.7%. 3.7% is the overall unemployment rate for 2011-12, 5.2% is the recent average, and 10.2% is the youth unemployment rate for 2023-24.

Explanation

The core argument is that the Economic Survey presents a long time series for inflation to highlight its decline but does not afford similar treatment to unemployment data, which would reveal its high historic levels. While other points are mentioned, this selective presentation is the central critique.

Explanation

India's permanent mission to the United Nations is part of its diplomatic corps, which is managed and overseen by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The MEA handles all foreign relations and international diplomacy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the author argues the opposite - that the attack is part of an old pattern, not a departure. Statement 2 is correct; the article explicitly mentions Article 2(A) of the UN Charter. Statement 3 is correct; the article analyses the 'rally round the flag' phenomenon in detail.

Explanation

The article states: "There have been around 100 such interventions by the US..." and then lists examples like Iran (1953) and Chile (1973). The other options are plausible-sounding but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that "The International North–South Transport Corridor and the Chabahar port are important for connectivity with Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the wider Eurasian region." This is presented as a core Indian strategic interest. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, and the Department of War (DoW) as the government entity designating Anthropic as a 'supply chain risk'. This is the specific nomenclature used in the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states these are the two red lines Anthropic insists on. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says this label was 'previously reserved for US adversaries, and never before applied to an American company'. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article. Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions 'Claude, its family of language models' in reference to Anthropic's AI being used in operations in Venezuela and Iran. The other options are AI models from different companies (GPT from OpenAI, Gemini from Google, Llama from Meta).

Explanation

The article's analysis emphasizes that this episode 'established a precedent' where tools for foreign adversaries are repurposed against a domestic company. It frames the conflict as being about who sets the terms for the future of powerful general-purpose AI, establishing state control as a key theme.

Explanation

As per the article, the Union Cabinet approved changes in the guidelines on investments from countries sharing a land border with India. While the Ministry of Commerce and Industry implements FDI policy, the Cabinet is the apex decision-making body for such significant policy approvals.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states the 10% non-controlling LBC investment is allowed under the 'automatic route', not the 'government approval route'. Statement 2 is correct as explicitly mentioned. Statement 3 is correct: The 2020 amendments tightened rules for LBCs, and the recent changes ease some of those restrictions.

Explanation

The article clearly states that imports from China surged to $113.4 billion in 2024-25. $70 billion was the figure for 2018-19, and $18 billion refers to the capital inflows in 2024-25, not imports.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the policy changes are designed to encourage FDI flows, ease access to newer technologies, and facilitate greater integration with global supply chains, especially to gain from the 'China+1' strategy. This is the core economic rationale mentioned, amidst falling capital inflows.

Explanation

NCERT functions as an autonomous organization under the Union Ministry of Education. It was established to assist and advise the government on policies for school education.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the SC directed dissociation from the TDT. Statement 2 is incorrect; the revised chapter is for the 2026-2027 session, not 2025-2026. Statement 3 is correct as the bench suggested the committee may include a former senior judge.

Explanation

The NCERT affidavit, as mentioned in the article, stated that 'the revised chapter shall be incorporated in the forthcoming academic session 2026-2027.'

Explanation

The bench stated that the team members 'either do not have reasonable informed knowledge about the Indian judiciary and/ or they deliberately and knowingly misrepresented the facts...' This was the core reason for the dissociation order to protect students of impressionable age.

Explanation

The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey is conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), which is part of the National Statistical Office (NSO). The NSO is the nodal agency for official statistics in India. While MoSPI is the administrative ministry, the actual survey work is done by the NSSO/NSO.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Bihar's rural nominal MPCE CAGR was 10.3%, higher than India's 9.1%. Statement 2 is incorrect: Bihar's urban nominal MPCE grew at 10.7%, while West Bengal's grew at only 6.9%. Statement 3 is correct: Bihar's poverty rate was 4.4%, lower than West Bengal's 6.0% in 2023-24.

Explanation

The article states Bihar's rural nominal MPCE rose from Rs 1,086 (2011-12) to Rs 3,531 (2023-24). Rs 1,086 is the 2011-12 figure for Bihar. Rs 1,211 is West Bengal's 2011-12 rural MPCE. Rs 3,366 is West Bengal's 2023-24 rural MPCE.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the changes occurred during a long period of political stability under Nitish Kumar and suggests this aligns with a significant transformation. While it cautions against simple causation, the comparison is used to highlight this correlation. The other options are contradicted by the data: West Bengal did not outperform Bihar; real figures are emphasized as clearer; and Bihar's pro-poor urban growth is noted but not presented as a universal rule.

Explanation

The article states the Vibrant Villages Programme builds on the existing Border Area Development Programme (BADP) under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. This ministry handles internal security and border management.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the 'Xiaokang project of about 600 odd villages'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says 72% are in northeastern states and 90% of those are opposite Arunachal Pradesh, not Sikkim. Statement 3 is correct as Lt Gen Ghai stated these villages are 'definitely a challenge' and in contested areas.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'almost 72% of these 628 villages are across the northeastern states.' The 90% figure is a distractor, referring to the percentage of those northeastern villages that are opposite Arunachal Pradesh specifically.

Explanation

The article explains the villages are 'dual-use infrastructure — can be used both for civil and military purposes' and are seen 'as a way to assert Chinese claims over certain areas along the LAC.' This is identified as the core defense and strategic concern.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'United States Trade Representative (USTR)' said it formally initiated the investigations. The Office of the USTR is its administrative unit, but the official body is the USTR.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Supreme Court declared IEEPA tariffs illegal, not upheld them. Statement 2 is incorrect as the probe cites India's trade surplus ($58 billion), not a deficit. Statement 3 is correct as per the article's mention of India's solar module capacity.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'in 2025, India had a bilateral trade surplus with the United States of $58 billion'. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article's core argument from the USTR is about 'structural excess capacity and overproduction'. It repeatedly mentions this phrase, linking it to trade surpluses and underutilized capacity, unlike the other options which are common US trade concerns but not mentioned here.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the International Energy Agency (IEA) agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic stockpiles. The IEA is the body responsible for coordinating such emergency responses among its member countries to ensure global energy security.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which mentions Brent crude spiked over $100 a barrel after Iranian attacks. Statement 2 is incorrect because the IEA released a record 400 million barrels, not 182.7 million (which was the amount released in 2022). Statement 3 is correct as the article quotes Japan's Prime Minister saying they would act first and release reserves as early as the 16th of the month.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the United States contributed 172 million barrels to the IEA's coordinated release of 400 million barrels. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright is quoted confirming this contribution. The 400 million barrels is the total IEA release, and 80 million barrels is Japan's planned independent release.

Explanation

The article states the IEA agreed to the release "to combat the spike in global crude prices amid the Middle East war." The primary objective of such coordinated releases from Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) is to temporarily stabilize oil markets during sudden supply shocks, not to enact permanent price changes or fund other projects.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer' announced the investigations. The USTR is the executive agency responsible for developing and coordinating US international trade policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Supreme Court 'tore down' or struck down the previous tariff program, it did not uphold it. Statement 2 is correct as per the article listing 16 partners. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the 10% tariff for 150 days was imposed under Section 122.

Explanation

The article clearly states the investigation is into 'excess industrial capacity in 16 major trading partners'. The list provided includes India, China, EU, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Switzerland, and Norway.

Explanation

The article states the probes offer 'an avenue to rebuild a credible tariff threat against trading partners to keep them negotiating'. The context is restoring leverage lost after the Supreme Court decision, not eliminating tariffs, leaving the WTO, or providing aid.

Explanation

The article states that the Allahabad High Court quashed the orders passed by the CIC to the extent they directed the supply of photocopies of answer sheets. The CIC is the apex body under the RTI Act for appeals.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the Court ruled marks are NOT confidential private information. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Court QUASHED the CIC's direction for photocopies. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly mentioned in the article: 'There is no vested right in an applicant to obtain the photocopies of answer sheets of another candidate'.

Explanation

The article clearly states the judgment was passed on February 26, 2026. March 12, 2026, is the article's publication date, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'On the question of photocopies of the answer sheets, it may involve checking of answer sheets, signatures of examiners, etc. and therefore, it may not be appropriate to disclose the names, signatures of the examiners.'

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Punjab and Haryana High Court, with Justice Jagmohan Bansal hearing the plea, ordered the reinstatement. This is a direct factual extraction from the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the reinstatement was ordered due to indefinite suspension, not because the trial concluded (the trial is still pending). Statement 3 is incorrect; the deadline was 'within two weeks', not four weeks.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that the petitioner was under suspension for 'more than three years' and the suspension order was dated July 22, 2022. The court order in February 2026 confirms this duration.

Explanation

The court's order explicitly states, 'It is settled law that no employee can be kept under suspension for an indefinite period.' It criticized the authority for not appointing an inquiry officer and concluding proceedings, which is the core of the ruling.

Explanation

As per the article, the strait connects Iran to the north from Oman and UAE to the south. While Oman is also to the south, the UAE is explicitly mentioned and is a primary littoral state alongside Iran.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states the Strait of Hormuz carries 20 million barrels per day, while the Strait of Malacca carries over 23 million. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article mentions bypass pipelines account for 'only a fraction' of the capacity, not a complete bypass.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Strait of Hormuz 'caters to a fifth of global oil and gas' and that 'the world’s 20% of crude and petroleum products pass' through it.

Explanation

The article's core focus is on the strait's role in transporting 20 million barrels of oil daily (20% of global supply) and LNG, making it a vital energy chokepoint. Its closure directly impacts global oil markets, which is the central theme.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, British historian Eric Hobsbawm, in his Introduction to 'The Invention of Tradition' (1983), used the term 'invented tradition' to describe practices like national anthems and flags that inculcate values by implying continuity with the past.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Gellner's view, mentioned in the article, links nationalism to the needs of a modern industrial society. Statement 2 is incorrect; Chatterjee termed it a 'derivative discourse' that used Western ideas of rationality to fight colonialism. Statement 3 is correct, as Anderson's famous concept is cited in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Eric Hobsbawm introduced the term 'invented tradition' in his Introduction to 'The Invention of Tradition', published in 1983.

Explanation

The article explains that Sandip's nationalism is inspired by the West and characterized by provocative rhetoric and contempt for the masses. In contrast, Nikhilesh is a Gandhi-like figure with a more inclusive view, considerate of ordinary people affected by boycotts and devoted to communal harmony.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is a Paris-based organization. This is a key static fact about the IEA's location.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's mention of the IEA's 90-day reserve mandate. Statement 2 is incorrect; the 400 million barrels equal about 20 days of the Strait's normal flow (20 million bpd), not over two months. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly stated regarding the US drawdown limit. Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Before the war, the strait carried more than 20 million barrels a day, roughly one-fifth of the world's supply.' The other options are incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The core analysis in the article emphasizes that the 400 million barrel release only equals about 20 days of the normal flow through the blocked Strait of Hormuz. It highlights that 'no amount of storage can replace 20 million barrels per day of continuous flow,' pointing to the fundamental limitation of stockpiles versus ongoing supply.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that China and Russia, both permanent members (P5) of the UNSC with veto power, abstained from voting on the resolution. India is a non-permanent member, while Germany and Japan are not permanent members.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'adopted... with 13 votes in favour, none against'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the resolution condemned threats regarding the Strait of Hormuz, not the Strait of Malacca. Statement 3 is correct: 'India cosponsored the Bahrain-led resolution along with 135 countries'.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'India cosponsored the Bahrain-led resolution along with 135 countries'. The other options are distractors: 193 is the total number of UN member states, while 125 and 150 are close but incorrect figures.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the resolution 'demanded the immediate cessation of all attacks by Tehran'. While the resolution condemns threats and supports navigational rights, its core demand is for Iran to stop its attacks, not to impose sanctions, authorize force, or refer to the ICJ.

Explanation

The National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is responsible for compiling and releasing macroeconomic data like the CPI, as mentioned in the article. The RBI uses this data for policy formulation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the article states CPI inflation at 3.21% remains under the RBI's medium-term target of 4%. Statement 2 is incorrect as the article explicitly says the February data showed 'no impact of the war' on domestic fuel affordability, with inflation for that category at a minimal 0.14%. Statement 3 is correct as per the article.

Explanation

The article directly states that the rise in inflation in February was driven by the continued rise in prices of silver jewellery (161%). Gold inflation was 48%, which is a close distractor.

Explanation

The article repeatedly highlights that the February data does not reflect the impact of the geopolitical conflict that escalated in March, which caused global crude oil prices to surge. Economists quoted expect March inflation to reflect this impact through higher fuel prices, making option C correct.