14 April 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Delimitation Commission will be headed by a Supreme Court judge. The Chief Election Commissioner and State Election Commissioners are members, not the head.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Bill proposes raising Lok Sabha strength to 850. Statement 2 is incorrect; the delimitation is based on 'such Census' as Parliament may determine, with the article indicating the likely use of the 2011 Census, not the 2031 Census. Statement 3 is correct as the amendment targets Article 81.

Explanation

The article specifies that the amendment caps the strength of elected members from states at 815, with an additional 35 from Union Territories, making the total Lok Sabha strength 850.

Explanation

The core of the legislative move is to remove the decades-old constitutional freeze that pegged representation to the 1971 Census. This removal is essential to conduct fresh delimitation, which in turn is the trigger for implementing the women's reservation law passed in 2023.

Explanation

The Delimitation Commission is an independent body established by an Act of Parliament to redraw the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies. The Election Commission conducts elections, the Finance Commission recommends fiscal devolution, and UPSC handles civil service recruitment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states seats will be increased by 50% on a pro rata basis. Statement 2 is incorrect because the news highlights the government's move to link women's reservation with delimitation for early implementation. Statement 3 is incorrect as CMs of Tamil Nadu and Telangana have raised strong objections, indicating a lack of unanimous support.

Explanation

The article directly quotes TDP MP Lavu Krishna Devarayalu stating, "The seats will be increased by 50% pro rata basis across the states." The 33% figure relates to women's reservation, not the seat increase.

Explanation

Leaders like Stalin argue that southern states followed central directives on population control, and a pro-rata increase based solely on population unfairly reduces their future political representation relative to states with higher populations, distorting the federal balance.

Explanation

The Delimitation Commission is a high-powered body established by Parliament to redraw constituency boundaries based on the latest Census data. Its orders have the force of law and cannot be called into question in any court.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the deferral was linked to delimitation post the Census after 2026, which was presumed to be 2031, but the article states it 'seemed' clear, not that it was definitively based on 2031. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the modification would enable implementation from the 2029 Lok Sabha election.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the proposal involves 'expanding the size of the Lok Sabha by one-and-a-half times'. This is a key data point regarding the potential structural change to the legislature.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that the real intent is not to advance women's reservation but to push for an early delimitation exercise before the 2029 elections, using the 2011 Census data, which would benefit the ruling party politically. This is framed as the 'political project'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor is located in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. Kalpakkam is a major nuclear power and research site in Tamil Nadu.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The first stage uses Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with natural uranium. Statement 2 is incorrect: PFBR attaining criticality marks a key step in the second stage (Fast Breeder Reactors), not the completion of the third stage. Statement 3 is correct: The third stage aims to use thorium as the main fuel, as mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article directly states: "It is to the credit of Homi Bhabha and his generation of Indian nuclear scientists that they articulated the three-stage pathway..." Therefore, Homi Bhabha is the correct visionary behind the programme.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that nuclear energy, particularly through the breeder programme, has the potential to "free up, or at least significantly reduce, dependence on energy imports that make the country vulnerable to external shocks." This directly links to achieving energy security and strategic autonomy.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central bank and the primary regulator for foreign exchange management under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. Instruments like FCNR(B) deposits and special swap windows are operational tools deployed by the RBI, as mentioned in the article's context of the 2013 Taper Tantrum response.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Impossible Trinity refers to free capital flows, a fixed exchange rate, and an independent monetary policy (not trade policy). Statement 2 is incorrect. Dornbusch's model states that goods prices are 'sticky' (adjust slowly) while financial markets are 'fluid', causing exchange rates to overshoot (not undershoot) their long-run equilibrium. Statement 3 is correct as per the article's description of the 2013 policy response.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The rupee crashed by around 20 per cent" during the 2013 Taper Tantrum. This is a key factual data point from the historical analysis provided.

Explanation

The article argues against viewing depreciation as a simple shortcut. It highlights that chronic fall leads to 'inflationary wreckage' and hollowed-out balance sheets. Specifically, it cites the 2013 example where a depreciating currency acted as 'an immediate tax on the citizenry' due to cost-push inflation from imported energy and food, eroding any export gains.

Explanation

Article 142 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court the unique power to pass any decree or order necessary for doing 'complete justice' in any cause or matter pending before it. This power was invoked by the bench to dissolve the marriage.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the judgment explicitly states vague DV cases must be 'nipped in the bud'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Court rejected the ₹170 crore claim as unsubstantiated and not part of the written agreement. Statement 3 is correct as the Court used Article 142 to dissolve the marriage.

Explanation

The article states that the comprehensive settlement agreement provided for a 'full and final financial settlement of Rs 1.5 crore'. The amounts of ₹75 lakh and ₹14 lakh were instalments paid under this settlement. ₹170 crore was the rejected claim, and ₹50 crore was a part of that claim.

Explanation

The Court held that once parties voluntarily enter into a court-recognised settlement and act upon it, they cannot unilaterally resile from its terms. Valid grounds for withdrawal are limited, such as fraud, coercion, or non-compliance by the other side, which were absent here.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the talks were held in Islamabad, which is the capital of Pakistan. This highlights Pakistan's role as a potential neutral venue for sensitive diplomatic negotiations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states it was the 'first direct encounter... in more than a decade'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article clearly says the talks ended 'without a breakthrough'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance led the delegation.

Explanation

The caption for the image in the article specifies that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance addressed a press briefing in Islamabad on April 12, 2026. April 7 was the date of the preceding ceasefire announcement, and April 14 is the article's publication date.

Explanation

The article's core finding, as per sources, is that 'dialogue was still alive' despite no breakthrough. The primary outcome was the continuation of the engagement channel itself, which is a key step in diplomatic conflict resolution.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Hungary quit the International Criminal Court after it issued a warrant against the Israeli Prime Minister for war crimes. The ICC prosecutes individuals for international crimes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as Orban's tenure was 1998-2002 and 2010-2026, not continuous. Statement 2 is incorrect as the article states the win of about 138 seats gives a massive two-thirds majority. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions these three leaders endorsed Orban.

Explanation

The article states that according to the latest results, opposition leader Peter Magyar's Tisza party has won about 138 seats, to Mr. Orban's Fidesz party's 55.

Explanation

The article states that Hungary's election verdict denotes that voters worldwide may be tiring of the hard-right, anti-pluralistic, anti-immigrant and xenophobic rhetoric they favoured, citing similar outcomes in Canada, Australia, Netherlands, UK, and Poland.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions a 'partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz' restricting the passage of crude oil, gas, and petroleum products. This strait is a vital passageway for global energy supplies from the Persian Gulf.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states 'India’s dependence on imported crude...is presently close to 90%'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article mentions a 'serious, although partial, blockade', not a complete one. Statement 3 is correct as the article notes the price fell from $109.3 to about $95 after a temporary ceasefire.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: 'At present, India is importing crude oil from 41 source countries.' This highlights India's diversification efforts amidst high import dependence.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'The non-availability of fertilisers and other chemicals would affect the agricultural output in the Kharif season which will start from June.' This is identified as a direct consequence of the supply chain disruption caused by the crisis.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf (west) with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (east). It is a vital route for global oil shipments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the warning was issued by the IMF, World Bank, and the International Energy Agency (IEA), not the WTO. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article explicitly states the situation remains uncertain and shipping is yet to normalise.

Explanation

The article states that the heads of the International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group met in Washington as part of their coordination group.

Explanation

The joint statement noted that the shock has led to higher prices, 'triggering concerns about food security and job losses as well.' This direct link between input costs (fertiliser) and broader socio-economic stability is the core concern highlighted.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that projections by NITI Aayog suggest India's energy demand will expand at one of the fastest rates globally. NITI Aayog is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's opening argument. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states India meets nearly 85% of its crude oil (not natural gas) requirement through imports. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article frames ethanol blending as a strategic lever for energy security, not merely an environmental tool.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "For India, which meets nearly 85% of its crude oil requirement through imports...". This is a critical data point highlighting the nation's energy import dependence.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that ethanol blending has emerged as a 'strategic lever' within India's energy transition, anchored in domestic capacity to reduce vulnerability to global supply shocks, as highlighted by the West Asia tensions. While farmer welfare and climate goals are co-benefits, the primary strategic rationale is energy security.

Explanation

The Sikkim High Court explicitly pointed out that Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression to all citizens, which includes the freedom of the press. Article 14 deals with equality, Article 21 with life and liberty, and Article 32 with remedies for enforcing fundamental rights.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court held the opposite: that publishing FIR details based on public records does NOT violate the right to privacy, as the right no longer subsists in the same manner for public information. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the article, which quotes the court calling the press the 'fourth pillar' and a 'watchdog' with a duty to report crime, and that fair reporting without victim identification is not a media trial.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the plea was filed against the publication of an FIR report by 'Sikkim Chronicle'. The petitioner sought directions against this specific media outlet. The other options are major national media organizations not mentioned in the context of this case.

Explanation

The court's core reasoning, as stated in the article, was that 'once information forms part of a public record, the right to privacy no longer subsists in the same manner' and it 'becomes a legitimate subject of comment by the press'. The court did not mention a privacy waiver or social media circulation. It also cautioned that press freedom is not absolute, negating the option of 'absolute immunity'.

Explanation

The CDSCO, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is the national regulatory body that approves new drugs and their indications for market in India. The article mentions the lag between US FDA and CDSCO approvals as a barrier.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states patients must purchase five vials costing nearly Rs 10 lakh upfront. Statement 2 is incorrect because the programme excludes patients earning over Rs 25 lakh/year or having sum-insured above Rs 25 lakh. Statement 3 is correct as per the Tata Memorial study cited.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Kiran PAP excludes patients who earn more than Rs 25 lakh per year or have a sum-insured above Rs 25 lakh. The Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh figures are related to Ayushman Bharat coverage limits.

Explanation

The article directly reports that the access squeeze has led to a 'burgeoning multi-city black market in Keytruda', where counterfeit drugs are sold to desperate patients. This is a direct social and public health consequence of the access barriers.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the inauguration took place at the 'helicopter factory in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Tumakuru'. HAL is the state-owned company responsible for designing and manufacturing India's aircraft and helicopters.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states it was inaugurated by Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production). Statement 2 is incorrect: The article clearly says the facility is for both Prachand LCH and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). Statement 3 is correct as per the article's description of the facility.

Explanation

The article provides two dates. The publication date is April 14, 2026. However, the specific event date is given as: 'was inaugurated... on April 13.' The date February 27, 2026, mentioned is for a file photo of a sortie, not the inauguration.

Explanation

The article highlights the inauguration of a 'state-of-the-art greenfield facility' for producing indigenous helicopters (LCH & LUH) and supporting future programs (IMRH, DBMRH). This directly points towards enhancing domestic manufacturing capacity, which is a core objective of India's defence self-reliance ('Atmanirbharta') policy. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article states that ISRO, IN-SPACe, and NSIL signed a deal with HAL for SSLV technology transfer. IN-SPACe is specifically mandated as the single-window nodal agency for promoting and authorizing private sector participation in space activities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The failures were traced to anomalies in the third stage (PS3), not the second stage. Statement 2 is incorrect: The committee is headed by former Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Vijayraghavan, not a former ISRO Chairman. Statement 3 is correct: The article explicitly states the launch of NavIC NVS-3 satellite has been affected by the PSLV setbacks.

Explanation

The article states that after IRNSS-1F reached its end of life, the NavIC system was reduced to three operational satellites, which is below the minimum requirement of four needed to provide reliable positioning, navigation, and tracking services.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the PSLV delays have stalled the launch of NavIC replacement satellites, leaving the constellation with only 3 operational satellites against a required minimum of 4. This degradation affects a key strategic asset that provides India with an independent regional navigation capability, reducing reliance on foreign systems like GPS.

Explanation

The article states the case originated from an FIR by the Jharkhand Vigilance Bureau, which was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI is the premier central investigating agency for such corruption cases.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the SC set aside the HC order and granted bail. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bail was conditional; the appellant had to file an undertaking to assist in restoring tribal land. Statement 3 is correct as the Court noted overlapping allegations between cases.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the CBI alleged the former minister amassed assets worth approximately Rs 57.01 crore during his tenure. The other figures are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article highlights that the Supreme Court noted many allegations in the present and an earlier case appear to be overlapping, and a contention was raised that two separate prosecutions were impermissible. This procedural issue was a key consideration for bail.

Explanation

The article mentions the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in relation to the highway project. MoRTH is the nodal ministry for the development and maintenance of national highways in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the wildlife corridor passes through the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, not Corbett Tiger Reserve. Statement 3 is correct as 165.5 hectares of compensatory afforestation was undertaken.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the project was built at a cost of ₹11,868 crore. This is a key factual data point for prelims-style questions.

Explanation

The article states the animal underpass and elevated corridor are 'designed to facilitate unobstructed animal movement' and that the 'corridor will reduce human-wildlife conflict'. This is its primary conservation objective.

Explanation

The European Commission is the EU's politically independent executive arm. It is responsible for drawing up proposals for new European legislation, implementing the decisions of the European Parliament and the Council, and managing EU policies and enforcing EU law. The European Parliament (B) is the elected body, the European Council (C) sets political direction, and the European Court of Justice (D) adjudicates disputes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Orbán's Fidesz was defeated after 16 years. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Tisza Party won 138 out of 199 seats, which is a two-thirds majority, not a simple majority. Statement 3 is correct: The article states incoming PM Magyar may drop Hungary's opposition to the EU's €90 billion loan to Ukraine, implying the veto could be removed.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that "Opposition leader Péter Magyar and his Tisza Party have secured a two-thirds majority, winning 138 seats in the 199-seat parliament." 55 seats is the number won by Orbán's Fidesz, while 110 and 165 are distractors.

Explanation

The article describes Orbán as the "poster boy of Europe’s far right" and his model as "illiberal." It specifically notes he "built his reputation as a Christian nationalist" and opposed EU policies on immigration and support for Ukraine. The other options describe policies contrary to his stated positions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'The APGenco is undertaking significant capacity additions... including a 1,350 MW Pumped Storage Project (PSP) at Upper Sileru.' APGenco is the state-owned power generation company of Andhra Pradesh.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'the PSP at Upper Sileru comprises nine reversible units of 150 MW each' (9*150=1350 MW). Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states it will use the existing Guntawada and Donkarayi reservoirs. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the project is set to 'strengthen grid stability, support renewable integration'.

Explanation

The article clearly specifies that the Pumped Storage Project at Upper Sileru 'comprises nine reversible units of 150 MW each'. The 115 MW figure is related to the additional units at Lower Sileru, not the capacity of each unit at Upper Sileru.

Explanation

As highlighted in the article, the PSP represents 'a critical advancement in modern energy management' and is set to 'support renewable integration'. PSPs act as giant batteries, storing excess energy from solar/wind and releasing it during demand peaks, thus solving the intermittency problem of renewables, which is a key challenge for grid stability.

Explanation

The World Economic Outlook (WEO) is a key biannual report published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It provides detailed analysis and forecasts for the global economy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The IMF cut the global growth forecast by 20 basis points, not revised it upward. Statement 2 is incorrect: India's forecast of 6.5% is lower than the RBI's projection of 6.9%. Statement 3 is correct: The article explicitly quotes the IMF saying the war "could turn into 'the largest energy crisis in modern times'".

Explanation

The article states that India received a 'minor bump-up of 10 bps to its GDP growth forecast to 6.5% for 2026-27'. Option A (6.4%) was the January forecast, C (6.9%) is the RBI's projection, and D is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions: 'the marginal upward revision for India comes after stronger-than-expected growth in 2025... Further, the IMF sees the fall in US tariffs for India to 10% from 50% outweighing the adverse impact of the war.' The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India, the constitutional body responsible for conducting elections and preparing electoral rolls, is established under Article 324. This is a fundamental static GK fact in Indian Polity.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article quotes the SC calling the right to vote the 'biggest expression of nationality'. Statement 2 is incorrect as the article clearly states the SC reiterated that the right to contest is NOT a fundamental right. Statement 3 is correct as the SC rejected C Geetha's plea, agreeing with the ECI that the challenge was too late.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The Supreme Court on Monday refused interim relief to over 34 lakh appellants whose names were excluded from electoral rolls in West Bengal.' The other numbers are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explains the Court's distinction: the right to vote enables franchise, while the right to contest is 'a distinct and additional right which may legitimately be made subject to qualifications, eligibility conditions and disqualification.' This is the core legal implication derived from the judgment discussed.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the AI Index 2026 report was published by the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). This is a factual detail directly from the source material.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. India had the second-largest pool (50,460), trailing the United States (220,520). Statement 2 is correct as per the article: India saw the largest net outflows (-16.9). Statement 3 is incorrect; India's enterprise adoption rate was 88%, which is high and above the global figures discussed, not lower.

Explanation

The report states India saw the highest skill penetration rate at 3.0, followed by the United States at 2.0 and Germany at 1.8. This means AI skills were listed in profiles of Indian users at three times the global average.

Explanation

The report explicitly links the high net outflow to the US being the main destination for Indian AI talent, describing a well-documented brain drain pattern. This is a strategic challenge for India's domestic AI ecosystem, as it loses skilled human capital despite being a major producer.

Explanation

The NGT is a specialized statutory body created by the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. The other acts are general environmental laws under which specific rules (like SWM Rules) are framed, but they did not establish the tribunal itself.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the NGT criticized setting extended long-term deadlines that are frequently breached, not short deadlines. Statement 3 is incorrect; the NGT recommended a centralised, single-window mechanism at the state level, not a decentralized district-level one.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the illegal open burning led to the Air Quality Index (AQI) reportedly reaching a hazardous level of 315. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article clearly states the NGT called for the creation of a centralised, single-window mechanism at the state level to oversee waste management, to be headed by an officer of the rank of additional chief secretary. This was proposed to coordinate action and ensure accountability, addressing the identified systemic failure.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The CPI-based inflation data is compiled by the MoSPI and the WPI-based inflation data is put together by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).' This is a key static fact for economy questions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions WPI does not take into account services while CPI does. Statement 2 is correct as the article states the new CPI has an updated base year of 2024. Statement 3 is incorrect; the RBI uses CPI as its key inflation measure for monetary policy, not WPI.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'In CPI 2024, a basket of 358 goods and services are there which is more than 59 goods and services of erstwhile basket.' The number 697 refers to items in the WPI basket, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article defines inflation as causing 'a decrease in purchasing power of money' and states that as costs increase, 'it reduces the quantity of goods and services that can be purchased with the same nominal income.' Rising inflation actually decreases real interest rates (contrary to option A) and adversely affects fixed-income households (contrary to option D).

Explanation

Article 82 of the Constitution provides for the readjustment of constituencies after each census, which is the basis for the delimitation exercise. Articles 80-83 deal with the composition and allocation of seats in Parliament.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the CM opposes the population-based formula. Statement 2 is correct as he argues Southern states contribute more economically but would get fewer seats. Statement 3 is incorrect; he proposes a 50% population-based and 50% GSDP-based hybrid model, not 100% GSDP.

Explanation

The article states the Centre proposes to increase Lok Sabha seats by 272, which is 50% of the current total of 543 seats. This is a key data point for factual recall.

Explanation

The CM's hybrid model aims to allocate 50% of increased seats based on population (pro-rata) and 50% based on GSDP, thereby balancing demographic and economic factors in political representation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Amaravati Quantum Valley is a flagship quantum technology hub under India's National Quantum Mission (NQM).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article headline and content. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article mentions an IBM 133-qubit quantum computer, not Google. Statement 3 is correct as the launch occurred on World Quantum Day (April 14).

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that the Amaravati Quantum Valley will be hosting an IBM 133-qubit quantum computer. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The core achievement highlighted is the creation of open sovereign quantum infrastructure, adding an indigenous hardware dimension to India's quantum portfolio, as opposed to just cloud access or skilling.