13 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The judgment explicitly reasons that the withholding of life-sustaining treatment, allowing the natural course of life, does not fall foul of Article 21, thereby linking the right to die with dignity to this fundamental right.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states this was a 'first-of-its-kind judicial order in India'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court distinguished active euthanasia from passive euthanasia (withdrawal of life support), not equated them. Statement 3 is correct as the Court directed Chief Medical Officers to constitute panels of medical practitioners as secondary boards.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'the Supreme Court on March 11 had held that withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment... would uphold a patient’s dignity.' March 24, 2026, is the date of Rana's death. May 13, 2026, is the date of the subsequent hearing where the Court appreciated the organ donation.

Explanation

The article states the Court directed 'Chief Medical Officers in all districts to constitute panels of registered medical practitioners to serve as secondary medical boards.' This decentralizes the process for future applications, making option B correct. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the Centre argued Article 25(2)(b) provides for legislation for social welfare and reform. This is the specific clause under Article 25 that deals with the state's power to legislate for reform.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's direct quote: 'If courts may reform religion... there is, in practice, no limit...'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the Solicitor General said courts 'could intervene when something was contrary to public order, health, or morality'. Statement 3 is correct as per Justice Bagchi's quoted remarks.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the bench is considering questions arising from petitions seeking review of the SC's 'September 28, 2018, judgment'. The other dates are close distractors.

Explanation

Justice Bagchi's quoted words in the article are: 'It's not majoritarianism that the court is bothered about. The court is bothered about majoritarianism trumping constitutionalism.' This directly captures his primary constitutional concern regarding the legislature-led reform argument.

Explanation

The article states that the Agni missile family was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). ISRO handles space missions, while HAL and BDL are defence PSUs involved in aircraft and missile production, respectively.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the core concept of MIRV. Statement 2 is incorrect because AMOC, part of thermohaline circulation, is driven by temperature and salinity differences (density), not just wind. Statement 3 correctly defines a free-floating exchange rate system.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The rupee slipped to a fresh record low of 95.63 yesterday against the US dollar." The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article explains that MIRV technology, by enabling a devastating counterattack with multiple warheads, is critical for India's no-first-use doctrine and deters adversaries from striking first. The other options are incorrect: cost reduction is not the primary goal, pre-emptive strikes contradict stated doctrine, and MIRV is a military, not civilian, technology.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that data on gold imports falling to 721.04 tonnes in FY26 is 'as per data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry'. This ministry handles trade statistics.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the total duty is now 15% (10% customs + 5% AIDC). Statement 2 is incorrect; the primary objective is to 'safeguard macroeconomic stability, conserve foreign exchange, and moderate non-essential imports', not primarily to boost revenue. Statement 3 is correct as per the article.

Explanation

The article states: 'In FY26, the country’s gold imports jumped by 24.1% to $71.97 billion compared to $58 billion in the previous financial year.' $58 billion is the previous year's figure, $721.04 is the volume in tonnes, and $38 billion is the forex reserve drop.

Explanation

The article quotes officials stating the hike is 'a policy measure aimed at safeguarding macroeconomic stability, conserving foreign exchange, and moderating non-essential imports'. The other options are not mentioned as primary objectives.

Explanation

The article explicitly cites the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) for its latest assessment of oil production shut-ins, price forecasts, and the timeline for the Strait of Hormuz closure. The EIA is the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states 10.5 million barrels per day were shut in April. Statement 2 is incorrect: The April average was $117/barrel, while $71 was the February average. Statement 3 is incorrect: India's import dependency is over 88%, but only about 40% of its oil imports came via Hormuz, not 60%.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "the spot price of benchmark Brent crude increased sharply in April, reaching a high of $138 per barrel on April 7." $117 is the April average, $89 is a forecast for later in the year, and $100 is a reference price level.

Explanation

The article details that the government slashed excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre, which is "likely to lead to a revenue loss of over Rs 1.6 lakh crore." The other options, like a windfall tax or new reserves, are not mentioned as implemented measures in this article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Ministry of Jal Shakti serves as the nodal authority at the national level responsible for water resources, drinking water supply and sanitation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Central Water Commission focuses on surface water. Statement 2 is incorrect because the index is published by NITI Aayog, not the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the Jal Jeevan Mission has been extended until 2028.

Explanation

The article states: 'India supports nearly one-fifth of the world’s population but has access to only about 4% of global freshwater resources.'

Explanation

The article states: 'Groundwater sustainability is being addressed through the Atal Bhujal Yojana, which promotes participatory aquifer management in water-stressed regions.' Jal Jeevan Mission provides tap connections, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana promotes micro-irrigation, and Namami Gange focuses on the Ganga basin.

Explanation

Article 44 of the Constitution, part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs), states that the State shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for its citizens. DPSPs are non-justiciable guidelines for the state.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the article says the Bill leaves 'the state's tribal population outside its ambit', but it does not say 'entire' tribal population; exclusions are typically for those under the Sixth Schedule. Statement 2 is correct as the CM said the Bill will be presented on May 26, the last day of the assembly. Statement 3 is correct as the Cabinet adopted the party manifesto as the guiding principle.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'For the next six months, the state government will not purchase any new vehicles, and no government minister, official or worker will travel abroad...' This is a direct factual recall from the news.

Explanation

The article mentions that the BJP's manifesto listed implementation of UCC 'excluding tribal communities and parts of the state protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution'. The Sixth Schedule grants autonomy to tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, allowing for the protection of customary laws.

Explanation

As stated in the article, 'The DGFT, which comes under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry...'. DGFT is the body responsible for implementing India's Foreign Trade Policy, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the DGFT notification. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly states 'The prohibition will not apply to sugar exports to the European Union and the US under the preferential quota'. Statement 3 is correct as the notification allows exports if 'loading of sugar on the ship has commenced before May 13'. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'Sugar production in the 2025-26 season (October-September) has been estimated at about 275 lakh tonnes.' Option D (325 lakh tonnes) is the total availability including opening stock, and option C (280 lakh tonnes) is the projected domestic consumption.

Explanation

The article describes the ban as 'a precautionary move' triggered by 'inflation and future supply-related concerns in the backdrop of the ongoing West Asia conflict.' It aims to secure domestic availability against risks from geopolitical disruption and potential monsoon/fertilizer shortfalls.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the NSDF was established in 1998 under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890. This act provides for the administration of property held for charitable purposes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the NSDF is governed by a 12-member Council. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions a six-member committee of officials screens grant proposals. Statement 3 is correct as the article cites a Parliamentary Standing Committee report from August 2025 calling for greater regulation. All facts are directly from the provided content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Between 2021 and 2025, over Rs 6.2 crore from the NSDF went to the Civil Services Officers’ Institute (CSOI), the Central Civil Services Cultural and Sports Board (CCSCSB) and for the New Moti Bagh Residential Complex'. ₹2.66 crore went to RSS-linked bodies, and ₹1.08 crore was spent on cricket gifts.

Explanation

The article quotes the Parliamentary Committee's report as saying: 'The Committee has been given to understand that in previous years’ grants, these funds have been given to the residential colonies and civil services associations. The Committee recommends that this practice should be avoided.' This was its primary flagged concern regarding diversion from the NSDF's core objective.

Explanation

The article states that the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said El Nino conditions are expected to start in May. The WMO is the UN agency responsible for weather, climate, and water.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says fires burned '20% more than the previous record'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the data was compiled by 'World Weather Attribution (WWA)', not the IPCC. Statement 3 is correct as per the warning from scientist Theodore Keeping.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'As much as 85 million hectares of land have burned in Africa so far this year'. Option A (69M Ha) is the previous record, and Option D (44M Ha) is the area burned in Asia.

Explanation

The article quotes expert Theodore Keeping: 'The unusually high fire activity in Africa is being driven by rapid shifts from extremely wet to extremely dry conditions.' High rainfall led to grass growth (fuel), which then dried out, leading to fires.

Explanation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is the autonomous body established to conduct entrance examinations like NEET-UG, as mentioned in the article. UGC regulates universities, MCI regulates medical education, and CBSE is a school education board.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states this is the 'first time' the exam has been cancelled since 2016. Statement 3 is correct as the FIR invoked the Public Examination Act, 2024.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the cancellation affected 'over 22 lakh examinees'. The other options are plausible distractors but are not the exact figure mentioned.

Explanation

NTA Director General Abhishek Singh stated the decision was taken after the process was found to have been 'vitiated', meaning compromised, due to the paper leak. The other options are not mentioned in the article as reasons.

Explanation

The news article explicitly mentions School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa announcing the withdrawal of the order. This falls under the purview of the Department of School Education and Literacy in Karnataka, which handles policies for government and aided schools.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the new order allows 'limited religious symbols' that complement and do NOT replace or alter the uniform. Statement 3 is correct; Minister Bangarappa cited the April 23 KCET incident where students were forced to remove their janeu (sacred thread).

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The February 5, 2022 order said no headscarf or shawl should be worn as part of the uniform.' December 2021 is when the controversy erupted. April 23, 2026, is the date of the KCET incident cited. May 13, 2026, is the article's publication date.

Explanation

Minister Bangarappa stated the aim is to allow religious expression and prevent discrimination, while Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said it was to prevent children from being discouraged from practising their religion. The order itself permits symbols that 'complement the uniform and do not replace, alter, or undermine its purpose,' indicating a balance.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the report 'Extreme Heat and Agriculture' is a joint publication by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's explanation of heat impact on crops. Statement 2 is incorrect because rising water temperatures reduce dissolved oxygen, causing hypoxia, not increase it. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the MSP system has entrenched dependence on wheat and rice, not diversified patterns.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the ILO finding that the agricultural sector "is projected to account for 60 per cent of global working hours lost due to heat stress by the year 2030."

Explanation

The article's section 'INDIA'S POLICY TRAP' clearly states that subsidies for electricity and fertilisers, along with the MSP system and state-level bonuses, financially incentivise water-intensive paddy cultivation even in unsuitable regions, creating a structural lock-in.

Explanation

As per the article, Guruswamy referred to the rationale underlying Articles 15 (prohibition of discrimination), 16 (equality in public employment), 17 (abolition of untouchability), and 25 (freedom of religion) to argue for state intervention to ensure inclusion in religious institutions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article quotes Ambedkar from the Hindu Code Bill debates saying reform is 'hardly a question that we can decide by counting heads.' Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states the drafters gave pre-eminence to 'freedom of conscience' and placed it BEFORE the right to practice and propagate religion in Article 25. Statement 3 is correct: Guruswamy cited Ambedkar's constituent assembly views and his 1945 exclusion from the Puri Temple.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, "Dr B R Ambedkar was not allowed entry into the Puri Temple in July 1945." This historical incident was used to highlight the social reality of exclusion based on caste, paralleling the issue of gender-based exclusion at Sabarimala.

Explanation

The article states that the Hindu Marriage Act (1955) and other enactments 'reflected the same constitutional philosophy that was contained in Part III of the Constitution.' It later concludes that this philosophy aimed at 'the expansion of participation, inclusion, and equal access within Hindu society.'

Explanation

The article states that the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts both NEET-UG and JEE Main exams. JEE Advanced is conducted by the IITs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; around 23 lakh appear for NEET-UG, which is higher than the ~14 lakh for JEE Main. Statement 3 is correct, citing infrastructure as a major hurdle.

Explanation

The article specifically states that around 23 lakh students appear for the NEET-UG examination every year. JEE Main has around 14 lakh applicants.

Explanation

The article explains that the physical transportation of pen-paper question books creates multiple points of potential leaks (printing press, vehicles), a vulnerability absent in the computer-based JEE Main.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India, the body conducting the SIR, is a permanent constitutional body established under Article 324. This article vests it with the superintendence, direction, and control of elections.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: an intensive revision prepares rolls afresh. Statement 2 is incorrect; SIR breaks from the annual practice of Special Summary Revisions (SSR). Statement 3 is correct as the article states 5.58 crore electors were deleted.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the SIR led to the deletion of 5.58 crore electors, which constituted 9.555% of the electoral rolls. The other options are close distractors based on the raw number (5.58) or other estimates.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the EC cited rapid urbanization and migration as key reasons for conducting the intensive revision. The other options, like cost reduction or a new digital ID, are not mentioned as primary drivers in the provided content.

Explanation

The article states the NEET-UG 2026 examination was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The NTA is the autonomous body set up by the Government of India to conduct entrance exams for higher education.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the exam was already cancelled on May 12; the petition is about reforms and a re-exam. Statement 2 is correct as the plea calls for replacing/restructuring NTA and proposes an NEIC. Statement 3 is correct as the article states FAIMA requested the CBI to submit a status report within four weeks.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The NEET-UG 2026 examination was conducted nationwide by the NTA on May 3'. May 12 is the cancellation date, making the other options incorrect.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the petition stating that measures like CBT 'are necessary to eliminate risks arising from the physical handling and transportation of question papers, which it describes as vulnerable points in the current examination system.' The other options are not mentioned as primary reasons.

Explanation

The article mentions that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent held talks with Chinese officials in South Korea to preserve the trade truce. This falls under economic diplomacy, which is the Treasury's mandate.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the primary aim is trade and economic talks, not a defense pact. Statement ৩ is correct as the article explicitly mentions the goal is 'to preserve the fragile trade truce reached last year'. Hence, only statements 1 and ৩ are correct.

Explanation

The article specifically names Kelly Ortberg as the CEO of Boeing who is travelling with Trump. The other companies are not mentioned as part of this delegation.

Explanation

Technology CEOs are included to directly address key trade barriers. Nvidia seeks approval to sell its H200 AI chips in China, while Apple has major supply chain and market interests there. Their presence aims to push for 'opening up' the Chinese market to US tech firms, a core US demand.

Explanation

The Government Pension Fund Global is Norway's sovereign wealth fund, financed by the country's oil and gas revenues. It is one of the world's largest investors, as mentioned in the article discussing its role in the EFTA-India investments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the TEPA target is $100 billion, not $50 billion. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states India's interest in the Arctic is not merely academic, as melting polar ice has direct consequences for the Indian monsoon and food security.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "This agreement is a game-changer, committing EFTA countries — including Norway — to a target of $100 billion in investments in India over the next 15 years." The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article details that the partnership pivots towards a 'Green Strategic Partnership' spanning the blue economy, renewable energy, and deep-tech innovation, specifically mentioning offshore wind, green shipping corridors, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

As stated in the article, IMD's Secretary reports to the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). This ministry is the nodal agency for meteorological and earth system sciences in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the district-level updates will be made available every Wednesday, not Monday. Statement 3 is incorrect; the data is combined from Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG), Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), satellites, and Doppler radars, not solely from radars and satellites.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the district-level monsoon tracking will be available for 3,196 blocks/sub-districts across 16 states and one UT in this phase. The other numbers are close distractors.

Explanation

The core objective, as stated by the MoES Minister, is to empower farmers with localized forecasts for better agricultural decision-making. The other options are either not mentioned (revenue generation, centralizing research) or incorrect (replacing all instruments).

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Mao Ning, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, made the comment on social media platform X ahead of the meeting.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions this would be Trump's seventh in-person meeting with Xi. Statement 2 is correct as the article states prior to the war, China accounted for over 85% of Iran's oil exports. Statement 3 is incorrect; the business delegation's focus is on trade and investment, not nuclear disarmament, which is not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Last December, the US announced an $11billion arms deal with Taiwan, triggering protests from the Chinese government.' The other options are plausible but incorrect figures.

Explanation

The article explicitly states China has a vested interest in the blockade being opened because 'about 60% of the oil headed for China flows through the Strait of Hormuz.' This economic dependency gives it leverage and a stake in the conflict's resolution. The other options are actions or roles not mentioned in the provided text.

Explanation

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY is India's flagship public health insurance scheme, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The scheme's implementation is overseen by the National Health Authority (NHA), an attached office of this ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states every senior citizen aged 70+ is eligible for Rs 5 lakh annual cover. Statement 2 is incorrect as the article explicitly says 'the income level of the individuals... are not taken into consideration'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions coverage offsets expenses for 'fifteen days of post-hospitalisation follow-up care'.

Explanation

The article clearly states that under the updated guidelines, every eligible senior citizen is now eligible for 'Rs 5 lakh in annual, cashless health insurance'. The other figures are common coverage amounts for other insurance schemes but are not applicable in this specific context.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the policy expansion makes health security a 'universal right' for India's eldest generation. It specifically notes that eligibility is for every senior citizen aged 70+, and 'the income level of the individuals and their current health insurance are not taken into consideration'. This universalism based solely on age is the key feature.

Explanation

As per the article and standard procedure, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approves the MSPs for agricultural crops. The CCEA is the nodal body for economic decision-making, including price support policies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as sunflower seed saw an increase of ₹622/qtl, the highest absolute hike. Statement 3 is incorrect because the MSPs are at least 50% above the cost of production, not 60%. The margin for moong is 61%, but the minimum for all crops is 50%.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Government estimates the total payout to farmers at ₹2.60 lakh crore. The other figures are close distractors. This data point is crucial for understanding the fiscal scale of the MSP operation.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that the steeper increases for pulses, oilseeds, and cotton are aimed at 'reducing import dependency and encouraging crop diversification.' India is a major importer of edible oils and pulses, and this policy seeks to incentivize domestic production.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that beginning in the 1980s, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank began structural adjustment programmes across Asia, Africa and Latin America, and later refers to them as the 'primary architects' of these programmes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article lists the three typical demands of SAPs as austerity, privatization, and deregulation. Statement 2 is incorrect: Growth averaged 3.2% BEFORE SAPs and fell sharply to 0.7% DURING the SAP era. Statement 3 is correct: The recent paper argues these institutions owe reparations for the damage caused.

Explanation

The article states: 'The South collectively lost an average of $480 billion per year in potential national income during this period.' The other figures are distractors: $250B is mentioned as annual profit repatriation, and $1T is mentioned as annual outflows from trade deregulation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The IMF and World Bank enjoy sovereign immunity, shielding them from lawsuits through normal channels.' This is presented as a major procedural obstacle designed into their structure.

Explanation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education (formerly Ministry of Human Resource Development). It was established to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the exam was conducted on May 3 and cancelled afterwards, not on May 13. Statement 3 is incorrect; the petition demands the report in four weeks, not six weeks.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Over 22 lakh students had appeared in the national exam.' The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The petition specifically urges a direction to mandate the 'digital locking' of question papers to eliminate physical chain-of-custody risks. While other options are potential security measures, only digital locking is mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Customs duties, including Basic Customs Duty (BCD) and cesses like AIDC, are administered by the Ministry of Finance through the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). The article mentions notifications issued by the government, which in this context refers to the Finance Ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: effective tax doubled to 18.4%. Statement 2 is correct: BCD increased to 10% and AIDC to 5%. Statement 3 is incorrect; the primary justification, as per government sources, is prudent management of the Current Account Deficit (CAD) and protecting forex reserves for essential imports, not primarily fiscal deficit reduction.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, "India imported $71.9 billion of just gold in 2025-26." $12 billion refers to silver imports, $6.5 billion to jewellery imports, and $721 billion is a misreading of the quantity (721 tonnes).

Explanation

Government sources defended the decision citing the impact of the West Asia crisis on India's CAD. They stated the policy prioritizes forex resources towards essential imports like crude oil, fertilizers, and defence, contrasting precious metals as consumption-driven imports involving substantial forex outflow.

Explanation

The Supreme Court criticized the Rajasthan government's 'myopic stance' that only languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution could be incorporated into the school curriculum. The Court clarified this was not a necessary condition.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Court directed Rajasthan to frame the policy. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court criticized this very stance as 'myopic'. Statement 3 is correct as the judgment explicitly refers to NEP 2020 and the RTE Act 2009.

Explanation

The article states the Court directed the State government to file the compliance affidavit by September 25. September 30 is the date for the next hearing, November 27, 2024 is the date of the High Court order, and May 12, 2026 is the date of the Supreme Court's judgment.

Explanation

The Bench explicitly referred to the National Education Policy 2020, which recognizes learning in the mother tongue, and the Right to Education Act 2009, which guarantees equitable access to education. The Court derived the state's obligation from these policy and legislative frameworks.

Explanation

Import duties (Customs Duty) are a form of indirect tax, and tax policy falls under the domain of the Ministry of Finance. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), which administers these duties, is a department under this ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's core objective. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions smuggling had eased after mid-2024 tariff cuts. Statement 3 is incorrect; the CEA warned that these structural shifts were 'not going to reverse', not that reversing them was an imperative.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the import tariffs on gold and silver have been hiked to 15% from the previous 6%. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article directly quotes industry officials expressing concerns that higher import duties could revive smuggling, which had eased after previous tariff cuts. This is a classic unintended consequence of high tariffs on high-demand items.

Explanation

BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Indonesia, while a significant emerging economy, is not a member. This is a classic static GK fact often asked in Prelims.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the challenge is NOT to predict every turn, but to secure interests and limit fallout. Statement 3 is incorrect; it argues the opposite—that no diplomatic activism can compensate for 'economic sclerosis at home'.

Explanation

The article explicitly outlines five principles: Reciprocity, Diversification, Strategic Flexibility, Strategic Expansion, and Domestic Renewal. This is a direct factual recall from the news piece.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that India's emphasis must remain on the 'pragmatic pursuit of interests' and that descriptions of BRICS and Quad as ideologically opposed exaggerate their coherence. India engages with both based on strategic utility, not ideology.

Explanation

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers is the nodal ministry for the formulation and implementation of policies related to fertilisers, including subsidies and production. The Department of Fertilizers under this ministry handles these matters.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states India lacks these reserves. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions successive governments encouraged overuse of urea and DAP causing severe imbalances. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article proposes Rs 5,000 per-acre payment, not Rs 10,000.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'only around a third of the N in urea is absorbed by the plants'. The other options are incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states: 'The West Asia crisis has made the present system of subsidy and price controls on fertilisers unsustainable both fiscally and physically: When product availability is itself a problem, how much can one subsidise?' The other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous body established to conduct entrance examinations and operates under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Education.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the NTA was established in 2017, not 2019. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that NEET is the gateway to roughly 1.3 lakh MBBS seats in India's medical colleges. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The core issue highlighted in the article is the NTA's institutional failure and its questioned capacity to ensure the integrity of exams on which lakhs of aspirants stake their futures, undermining the meritocratic system.

Explanation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) was established in 2017 as an autonomous body to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions, including NEET-UG, JEE Main, and CUET. The article mentions the NTA Director General in the context of the leak complaint.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the sequence was reversed – the Rajasthan SOG investigated first, and then the case was handed over to the CBI. Statement 3 is correct as the article identifies the suspect, Shubham Khairnar, as a BAMS student.

Explanation

The article states that officials suspect the accused, Shubham Khairnar, purchased the paper for Rs 10 lakh and later sold it for Rs 15 lakh. The other amounts are close distractors mentioned in the context (Rs 5,000 for WhatsApp group entry, Rs 15 lakh selling price).

Explanation

The article details how an organized group used a paid WhatsApp group to sell the paper across multiple states (Rajasthan, Maharashtra, etc.), highlighting systemic digital vulnerabilities. The other options are incorrect: coordination was questioned, the leak involved a physical copy converted to digital, and the NTA's mechanisms were under scrutiny.

Explanation

The article states that data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry showed gold imports in FY26 fell to 721.04 tonnes. This ministry handles trade statistics and import-export data.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the IIM Ahmedabad paper. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says the deal incentivised bullion imports over doré. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the NITI Aayog report cited in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "India's gold import in FY26 had jumped by nearly 25% to $71.97 billion, compared to $58 billion in the previous financial year." $58 billion is the previous year's figure, while $721.04 billion is a distractor using the tonnage figure incorrectly.

Explanation

The report states the deal "inadvertently incentivised bullion imports over doré by creating a more favourable tariff structure for the former" and created "unintended consequences by inverting the intended duty differential." This limited opportunities for domestic refining and value addition.

Explanation

The article states that the communication was from the 'Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department'. This department in Tamil Nadu handles the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Act provides 16% preferential reservation. Statement 2 is incorrect; Section 8 of the Act states that selection on merit does NOT affect the preferential quota. Statement 3 is correct as per the Madras HC judgment in E. Surya vs. Teachers Recruitment Board which said the preferential quota must be protected.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Tamil Nadu Arunthathiyars Act provides 16% preferential reservation for Arunthathiyars 'within the overall 18% reservation for SC'. Therefore, the base SC quota in Tamil Nadu is 18%.

Explanation

The HC judgment in E. Surya vs. Teachers Recruitment Board clarified that meritorious Arunthathiyar candidates selected under the SC general category shall not reduce or affect the 16% preferential SC(A) quota. This upholds the 'non-reduction' principle in Section 8 of the 2009 Act.