13 June 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, 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 like CPI and WPI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: CFPI was 4.8%, higher than headline CPI of 3.9%. Statement 2 is incorrect: Core inflation EXCLUDES food and fuel prices. Statement 3 is correct: The article states the May figure is the highest in 16 months, i.e., since January 2025.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) inflation at 4.8% in May 2026". 3.9% is the headline CPI, 4.2% was the CFPI in the previous month (April), and 5.5% is a forecast for annual inflation.

Explanation

The article mentions the inflation is just 0.07% short of RBI's 4% target and forecasts potential rate hikes in October/December 2026. When inflation is at or above target, the central bank's primary mandate is to control it, which typically means maintaining or increasing interest rates, not cutting them.

Explanation

The article states that EU Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement on the decision. Friedrich Merz is the German Chancellor mentioned in a separate proposal, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the President of Ukraine.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'ambassadors from the 27 EU nations decided to officially open negotiations'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article says Ukraine applied 'less than a week after Russia invaded in February 2022'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions 'Countries hoping to join the EU must complete negotiations in 35 policy areas, or chapters'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'At a meeting in Brussels... decided to officially open negotiations... on Monday (June 15, 2026) in Luxembourg' and later confirms 'An intergovernmental conference will be held on Monday (June 15, 2026)'.

Explanation

The article states: 'Ukraine sees EU membership as an important "security guarantee" for a stable future once war with Russia ends.' It contrasts this with NATO membership, which is politically blocked and a stated reason for Russia's invasion. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the interim order was passed by the Supreme Court in August 2021 while hearing a plea seeking directions to let eligible women take the NDA and Naval Academy entrance exams. The Supreme Court is the apex judicial body in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'This is the first time women officers will be joining the forces with a permanent commission.' Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says the first batch joined in 'July-August 2022' as part of the 148th course, not 2021. Statement 3 is correct: 'The parade was reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu' at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.

Explanation

The article provides a service-wise breakdown: 'In the Indian Air Force, five officers were commissioned...' The total batch size was 17, with 9 in the Army, 5 in the Air Force, and 3 in the Navy.

Explanation

The article quotes the Ministry of Defence statement: 'The commissioning marks a defining chapter in the transformation of the Defence Forces and reflects the nation’s commitment to equal opportunity, merit and excellence in military service.' This captures the core, symbolic significance of the event as a policy transformation, not just a numerical addition or external response.

Explanation

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was constituted under Section 45ZB of the amended Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, following the recommendations of the Urjit Patel Committee. Its primary mandate is inflation targeting.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The RBI revised its inflation projection UPWARDS to 5.1% from 4.6%, not downwards. Statement 2 is correct as per the article: inflation was 'marginally lower than expectations'. Statement 3 is correct as the article states food inflation rose to 4.78% with sharp surges in tomatoes and ginger.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'the RBI pegged inflation at 5.1 per cent for the year, up from its earlier assessment of 4.6 per cent.' 4.2% was the projection for the first quarter, and 4.6% was the earlier assessment.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'Household inflation expectations are also firming up, with three-month and one-year-ahead expectations rising by 80 basis points and 50 basis points respectively.' This is a key concern for monetary policy as it can lead to a wage-price spiral.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated the technologies through the flight tests. DRDO is India's premier agency for military R&D under the Ministry of Defence.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the demonstration of a multi-layered BMD capability. Statement 2 is incorrect; the maiden test was for the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR), not a surface-to-air missile. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the trials placed India among a select group with ICBM-level BMD capabilities.

Explanation

The article clearly states the flight tests were conducted on Wednesday (June 10, 2026) and Thursday (June 11, 2026). The other options are close distractors based on adjacent dates.

Explanation

The article highlights that the successful BMD trials have placed India among a select group of countries possessing capabilities to engage threats up to Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), significantly strengthening the country's strategic defence shield. The other options are unrelated to the BMD system's purpose.

Explanation

The article states that the scheme will provide additional rice to all beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the State Food Security Scheme. Therefore, it directly supplements the entitlements provided under the NFSA 2013.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The announcement is for free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level, not just primary to undergraduate. Statement 2 is correct as per the article: an additional 5 kg is provided, making the total 10 kg. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions 80% population coverage and an annual cost of ₹8,813 crore.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana will benefit 3.28 crore beneficiaries. This data point is a key factual element from the news and is a direct target for Prelims-style questions.

Explanation

The Chief Minister explicitly stated that the initiative would benefit all students, 'particularly those from economically weaker sections and girls.' This indicates the policy's targeted social welfare objective of promoting equity and inclusion in education access.

Explanation

Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy directs the State to secure the right to public assistance in cases of sickness and disablement. This is the constitutional basis cited in the article for establishing a Minimum Universal Disability Pension Floor Rate (MUDPFR).

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states pensions are determined by state domicile and are fragmented, not uniform. Statement 2 is incorrect: India spends 0.02% of GDP, while South Africa spends 0.12%-0.15% and Brazil 0.45%-0.50%. Statement 3 is correct: IGNDPS is indeed a part of the NSAP, a centrally sponsored scheme.

Explanation

The article states that accounting for population growth and changing disease profiles, the number of PwDs is conservatively estimated at 4.5 crore-6 crore. The 2011 Census figure of 2.68 crore is the older baseline.

Explanation

The article argues that disability pensions are an investment, not just a welfare expense. It cites studies showing fiscal multipliers of 1.4-1.6 and a 2025 report finding socio-economic returns exceed costs by nearly 48%. It also mentions that excluding PwDs costs 3%-7% of GDP.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the specific rules for the coal exchanges will be framed by the Coal Controller Organisation of India. This is a statutory body under the Ministry of Coal.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the rules aim to create a broad market-based mechanism. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states coal exchanges are expected to serve the 'non-regulated sector' initially. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the design is closer to power exchanges.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions the 'Coal Exchange Rules, 2026' as the regulatory framework that has been unveiled to create the coal trading platforms.

Explanation

The article states the rules are aimed at 'enhancing price discovery, transparency, access for small consumers' and reducing opaque bilateral agreements. They are not meant to replace long-term agreements entirely but to complement them.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the study was part of a project funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). MoES is the nodal ministry for atmospheric and earth system sciences in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the 2018-19 floods were linked to Rossby wave activity, not Kelvin waves (Kelvin waves were linked to the 2024 Wayanad landslides). Statement 3 is correct, mentioning the lead institution (CUSAT) and collaborators (UK Met Office, France).

Explanation

The article specifically states that the deadly 2024 Wayanad landslides 'claimed around 300 lives'. The other options are close distractors not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The article quotes the researcher stating that a key outcome is the potential to improve early warning systems, as tropical wave activity can be monitored days in advance, unlike local thunderstorms. This could provide valuable lead time for anticipating heavy rainfall.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions a six-decade-old cooperation between ISRO and the French national space agency CNES for joint launches and satellite development like Megha-Tropiques.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The 1998 Strategic Partnership was India's first with any Western nation. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states France did NOT impose sanctions after Pokhran-II, unlike other Western powers. Statement 3 is correct: Relations were elevated to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership' during President Macron's visit in February 2026.

Explanation

The article clearly states, "This is the Prime Minister’s seventh official visit to France since 2014." The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states that France believes India's presence at the G7 reflects its standing as a leading voice of the Global South and a key partner for shared global challenges. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on June 12, 2026, that both sides had reached a final agreed text, highlighting Pakistan's intense mediation efforts.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the article states nuclear issues are NOT part of the immediate agreement and are deferred to a later phase. Statement 2 is correct as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is mentioned as a key part of the deal. Statement 3 is incorrect as the article clearly states Israel is not part of the negotiations.

Explanation

The article specifies that Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif made the announcement via a tweet on June 12, 2026. The article was published on June 13, 2026, reporting on the previous day's announcement.

Explanation

The article directly links the deal's importance for India to the Strait of Hormuz component, stating that any disruption there impacts India's fuel prices and supply due to its large energy imports from the region. Reopening it could ease pressure on imports.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned Kerala and classified Nipah as a priority pathogen because of its lethality and pandemic potential.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The peak spillover risk is from April to September, not October to March. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect: In the 2018 outbreak, only the index case was from community transmission; the rest were due to nosocomial (hospital) transmission.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: "The case fatality rate was 91%" for the 23 cases identified in the 2018 outbreak. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the community-based surveillance network of volunteers is designed to "track and report unusual disease trends, including unusual animal or bird deaths, to enable early detection of zoonotic outbreaks." This is the core objective of this 'One Health' intervention.

Explanation

The Enforcement Directorate is a specialized financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. It is responsible for enforcing economic laws like FEMA and PMLA, as mentioned in the article where the ED officer submitted the complaint.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states Kothanur police registered a case under UAPA. Statement 2 is incorrect; the ED conducted searches under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, not PMLA. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions foreign debit cards issued by US banks were used.

Explanation

The article specifically states that investigators claim nearly ₹92.55 crore (approximately $9.99 million) was utilized through such transactions between November 2025 and April 2026. ₹44 crore was the amount withdrawn in a different period (Jan 2024-Mar 2026), and ₹136.55 crore is the approximate total.

Explanation

The article states: 'The Enforcement Directorate contended that the alleged movement of foreign funds into sensitive and LWE-affected areas without regulatory compliance constituted unlawful activity under the UAPA, 1967.' While other options are mentioned facts, this specific link to LWE areas and national security is cited as the core reason for the UAPA invocation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the draft rules consolidate guidelines under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, replacing the framework of the Telegraph Act, 1885.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the draft rules propose a 10-year authorisation for community radio. Statement 2 is incorrect; the rules state private radio must remain free-to-air. Statement 3 is correct as channels must notify if off air for over 60 days.

Explanation

The article clearly states TV channels should air at least 30 minutes of content daily on themes of national importance and social relevance between 6 am and 11 pm.

Explanation

The rule mandates security clearance for key managerial personnel and foreign technicians, which is a measure aimed at protecting national security by vetting individuals in sensitive positions within broadcasting networks.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the prevention programme was led by the Bengaluru-based Sankalp India Foundation in partnership with State governments and the National Health Mission.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the study was published in 'Blood Global Hematology', not 'The Lancet Global Health'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the 'StopThal' digital platform.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the safety outcomes were encouraging, with a post-procedure spontaneous abortion rate of only 0.4%, which compares favourably with international rates.

Explanation

The core finding of the study, as quoted, is that it used existing doctors, hospitals, and expertise, proving that sophisticated services need not remain in large tertiary centres. This challenges the policy assumption that every advanced service requires new buildings and investments.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that in India, the Directorate General of Shipping is responsible for verifying the credentials of ships, their owners, and recruitment agencies. This body operates under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's definition of El Niño declaration. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clarifies the G7 is an informal group with no legal existence, permanent secretariat, or binding policy impact. Statement 3 is correct as per the draft rules mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that the Employment Rate was 42.7% in 2016-17 and fell to 38.7% at the end of March 2026 (i.e., 2025-26). The other options are distractors: 42.7% is the 2016-17 figure, while 40.5% and 36.2% are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the strategic trust with France has matured in critical fields like defence (Rafale, Scorpene), space (Gaganyaan collaboration with CNES), and nuclear energy (opportunities post-SHANTI Act). This represents the partnership's core strategic depth, unlike the other options which are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) declared the development of El Niño on Friday, June 13, 2026. IMD is the national agency responsible for meteorological observations and weather forecasting.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article says IMD's announcement came a day after NOAA made it public. Statement 2 is incorrect: The 'very strong' category is when SST surpasses 2 degrees Celsius, not 1.5°C. Statement 3 is correct: The article explicitly mentions this climatological pattern for El Niño years in India.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The country-wide seasonal rainfall is expected to be 10 per cent short of normal.' The other options are plausible distractors for different deficit scenarios.

Explanation

The article's core premise is that IMD forecast below-average rainfall 'mainly due to El Niño.' It states El Niño is expected to strengthen during the monsoon season. The IOD is mentioned to be in a neutral phase, not negative, and while sea surface temperatures in Indian oceans are noted, they are not cited as the primary reason for the deficit forecast.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and its Office of Nuclear Material Removal. The NNSA is the semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy tasked with nuclear security and non-proliferation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the stockpile is 'roughly half a tonne of highly enriched uranium (HEU), material that experts say is close to weapons-grade.' Statement 2 is incorrect; the primary location is the Isfahan nuclear complex in central Iran, not Natanz. Statement 3 is correct as the article quotes an expert worrying Iran would claim some HEU was 'irretrievable'.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The stockpile in question consists of roughly half a tonne of highly enriched uranium (HEU)...'. The other options are plausible distractors but do not match the specific data point provided.

Explanation

The core complication highlighted is for verification. Experts warn that the fortifications mean Iran could argue some material is 'irretrievable,' preventing inspectors from confirming full inventory disclosure. This is a central analytical point in the article, unlike the other options which are not supported as primary impacts.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the Ministry of Defence announced the appointment via a post on X (formerly Twitter). The Ministry of Defence is the nodal ministry for the armed forces and is responsible for such senior military appointments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi, not General Manoj Pande. Statement 2 is correct as per the article which mentions he is an NDA alumnus and an Armoured Corps officer. Statement 3 is correct as the article states he led both South Western Command and Southern Command.

Explanation

The Ministry of Defence stated the appointment will come into effect from "the afternoon of 30 June 2026". This precise timing is a key factual detail for exam questions.

Explanation

The Vice Chief is the second-highest ranking officer and is deeply involved in the Army's strategic planning, budgeting, and modernization projects. Appointing the Vice Chief ensures a seamless transition and continuity in ongoing critical policies and long-term projects, as highlighted by Lt Gen Seth's involvement in modernization efforts.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Central Military Commission (CMC) is the top decision-making body of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and is subordinate to the Chinese Communist Party.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article cites Section 1260H of the NDAA FY 2021. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clarifies the listing does not formally impose sanctions but will lead to a contract ban from 2027. Statement 3 is correct as Alibaba, BYD, and Baidu were termed military-civil fusion contributors.

Explanation

The article states, 'the US Defense Department will be prohibited from contracting directly with companies on the list and from buying their products or services via third parties ⁠beginning in 2027, according to Reuters.'

Explanation

The article directly quotes a US government report stating that MCF is a national strategy to develop the People's Liberation Army (PLA) into a 'world class military' by 2049 by eliminating barriers between civilian and military sectors.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions 'Additional Secretary (Europe West), Ministry of External Affairs, Piyush Srivastava' as the official who explained the visit's significance. The MEA handles India's diplomatic relations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; it was the 7th official visit, not the 8th. Statement 3 is incorrect; the discussion was about the Strait of Hormuz, not the Strait of Malacca. This is a classic examiner trap swapping similar-sounding geographical locations.

Explanation

The article states: 'More than 120 Indian companies/startups... are expected to participate in the event.' The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Modi's participation 'will spotlight India as a global hub for innovation, digital transformation and entrepreneurship, and is expected to catalyse new partnerships between Indian and European technology ecosystems.' The other options are not mentioned as primary objectives.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Parvathapur Vanadium, Titanium and Aluminous Laterite block is located in Sangareddy district of Telangana.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the block is in Telangana, not Andhra Pradesh. Statement 3 is incorrect; the MoU is with CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), not the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI).

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that NLC signed an MoU with CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi, to foster collaboration in critical and strategic minerals beneficiation and extraction technologies.

Explanation

The article states that under the MoU, detailed studies will be undertaken on overburden and tailings from NLC's mines to assess the potential for extraction and recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) and other trace elements. This is the primary objective mentioned.

Explanation

The appointment of the three Service Chiefs (Army, Navy, Air Force) is made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is headed by the Prime Minister. While the President is the Supreme Commander, the executive appointment is made by the ACC.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the outgoing COAS is General Upendra Dwivedi, not General Manoj Pande. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Lt. Gen. Dhiraj Seth will take charge as the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of June 30, 2026. June 13 is the announcement date, April 1 is when he became VCOAS, and December is his commissioning month.

Explanation

Appointments of Service Chiefs are high-priority static GK for competitive exams as they test knowledge of the country's top leadership, the appointment process (ACC), and the military hierarchy. It is not directly linked to foreign or economic policy shifts.

Explanation

The Aadhaar system is governed by the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. This act provides the legal framework for the collection of biometric data and the issuance of the 12-digit unique identity number.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because while issuance continues for these communities, it will also stop for them from April 1, 2027. Statement 3 is incorrect; the complete ban is effective from April 1, 2027, not June 13, 2026 (which is the decision date).

Explanation

The Chief Minister stated, "The ban will, however, be complete from April 1, 2027, and people from these communities above the age of 18 will also stop receiving it from that date." The other dates are distractors: June 13, 2026, is the decision date.

Explanation

The Chief Minister explicitly stated the step is being taken "to ensure that no illegal Bangladeshis get Aadhaar cards." This links the policy directly to the state's specific challenge of illegal immigration and document verification.