14 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article states that Union Social Justice Minister Virendra Kumar introduced the Bill. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal ministry responsible for the welfare of transgender persons and the parent Act of 2019.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Bill calls for omission of sub-section (2) of Section 4, which contains the right to self-perceived gender identity. Statement 2 is incorrect: The proposed definition includes socio-cultural identities (hijra, kinner etc.), intersex variations, congenital variations, AND persons compelled to assume a transgender identity. It is not limited to intersex variations. Statement 3 is correct: The amendment requires the DM to 'examine the recommendation of the authority' (medical board).

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'the Union government on Friday (March 13, 2026) introduced a Bill in Lok Sabha'. March 14 is the publication date of the news article. March 4 and February 28 are dates mentioned in other contexts within the article.

Explanation

The article extensively discusses the NALSA (2014) judgment which held that 'self-determination of gender is an integral part of personal autonomy and self-expression and falls within the realm of personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21'. The proposed amendment's omission of 'self-perceived gender identity' and introduction of medical certification is seen as contradicting this core principle.

Explanation

The Supreme Court explicitly stated that 'the domain of considering the fitness and suitability of a candidate for the purpose of taking him in service belongs to the employer.' This includes the screening committee constituted for recruitment, which evaluates candidates based on antecedents.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The court observed these expressions are 'unknown' to CrPC 1973 and IPC 1860 and are coined in judicial pronouncements. Statement 2 is incorrect: The court clarified that acquittal due to weak prosecution evidence does NOT amount to honourable acquittal, which requires a definitive conclusion of innocence. Statement 3 is correct: The bench underscored that recruits in disciplined services must be persons 'beyond reproach' with a clean background.

Explanation

The article states the dispute arose from the recruitment process for the post of constable (driver) in the Madhya Pradesh Police. Candidate Rajkumar Yadav had applied for this post.

Explanation

The core ruling empowers the employer (screening committee) to evaluate suitability based on criminal antecedents and moral conduct, even in the absence of legal conviction. It limits judicial interference unless the decision is arbitrary or mala fide, thereby upholding employer discretion in sensitive recruitment like police forces.

Explanation

Article 324(5) of the Constitution explicitly states that the Chief Election Commissioner shall not be removed from office except in like manner and on like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court. This provision ensures independence of the office.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Strait of Hormuz is between Oman and Iran, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Statement 2 is correct; the 'creamy layer' concept originated from the 1992 Indra Sawhney (Mandal) verdict. Statement 3 is correct as per the article, which mentions Section 11(2) of the 2023 Act.

Explanation

The article states that the US spent about $11.3 billion and Israel $3 billion per week. For the first six days, this amounted to over ₹1.3 lakh crore (approx. $14.3 billion at the given rate of $1 ≈ ₹9,000). ₹7.8 lakh crore is India's defence budget for 2026, mentioned for comparison.

Explanation

The Supreme Court held that the 2004 order, which included salary income of PSU/private employees but not government employees for creamy layer test, resulted in 'hostile discrimination between parties who are similarly placed'. This, the court ruled, amounted to 'equals being treated unequally', thereby violating the equality doctrine under Articles 14, 15 and 16 of the Constitution.

Explanation

The article mentions IPCC reports as a benchmark. The IPCC is the UN body tasked with assessing climate science. While UNFCCC is the treaty framework, the scientific assessments come from the IPCC.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Paris Pact target is 1.5°C, not 2.5°C. Statement 3 is directly mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the study 'reckons that the Paris Pact's target... could be out of reach by 2030.' The other options are distractors based on other climate timelines.

Explanation

The article criticizes the 'much looser method adopted by national policymakers' for net-zero calculations, stating it is 'criticized for not reckoning with the fact that multiple entities can claim the same emission cuts.' This is the primary flaw highlighted.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the nodal agency for all matters related to India's foreign relations, including the welfare and protection of Indian citizens abroad. The article mentions Indian missions (embassies/consulates under MEA) struggling with evacuation requests.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the war began on February 28, 2026, with a joint Israel-U.S. attack on Iran. Statement 2 is correct: The Ministry of External Affairs figure of 90 lakh-1 crore Indian expatriates across the six GCC countries is explicitly mentioned. Statement 3 is correct: Officials stated that five Indians died in Iranian drone and missile attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, "According to the Ministry, the number of Indian blue-collar workers in Israel is around 30,000." This number has risen as Israel reduced Palestinian workers after the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Explanation

The article quotes a former diplomat stating that the war is "changing the region" and that Arab Gulf states, having realized the U.S. did not protect them from Iranian retaliation for hosting U.S. bases, are now "paying a heavy price." This points to a potential realignment in regional security guarantees, which is a profound geopolitical implication.

Explanation

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is a statutory body of the RBI mandated to determine the policy repo rate to achieve the inflation target. This is a core static GK concept mentioned in the article's analysis of the RBI's policy dilemma.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states 'Food has a lower weight in the new series as compared to the old one'. Statement 3 is directly mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'Food has a lower weight in the new series... with a 36.75% weight in the overall CPI.' The other options are distractors; 45.86% was the approximate weight in the old series, while 28.50% and 52.10% are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article clearly states 'Inflation is being driven by supply constraints, so trying to reduce demand by raising interest rates will not only have a minimal impact...'. This highlights the cost-push nature of the current inflation, making demand-side tools like rate hikes less effective.

Explanation

The Supreme Court's directive in the Rachana Gangu case was specifically addressed to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This ministry is the nodal agency for national health programmes, including immunisation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Court directed the Health Ministry to design a no-fault compensation scheme. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clarifies the directive is 'not based on adjudicating whether the vaccines caused specific injuries or deaths'. Statement 3 is correct as the Court rejected the government's earlier stance that citizens could sue manufacturers.

Explanation

The article states that during the pandemic, the government had reported 'over 1,100 deaths following vaccination across 219 crore doses administered'. This is a critical data point for understanding the scale of the issue addressed by the Supreme Court.

Explanation

The article's core analysis highlights that the directive 'marks a shift from a fault-based liability system to a no-fault one in state-run public health programmes'. This structural change in liability is the primary significance, establishing state accountability and a duty of care.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Agreement was adopted by the World Health Assembly on May 20, 2025.' The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the supreme decision-making body of the WHO.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clarifies the agreement will enter into force '30 days after 60 countries have ratified it', not immediately. Statement 3 is correct as the negotiation of the PABS system forms the core of the news report.

Explanation

The article states that non-monetary benefits include 'requirements that manufacturers reserve a percentage of real-time production of pandemic products for WHO (with at least 10% donated)'. The EU also agrees with this '10% donation floor'.

Explanation

The article details India's push for a 'system of standard legally binding contracts' and an enforceable PABS system to ensure benefit-sharing, countering the current 'extractive system' where supplying countries get 'very little benefit'. This contrasts with the EU's preference for voluntary agreements.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) as the source indicating 5 crore pending cases as of 2024. The NJDG is a key transparency tool under the eCourts Project.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states net FDI was $7.7bn. Statement 2 is incorrect; the study found cohesion funds initially deliver growth regardless of government quality, but government quality becomes critical once spending exceeds ~€80 per person per year. Statement 3 is correct as per the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states that criminal cases constituted 77% of the pending cases (5 crore total) as per NJDG, 2024. This is a specific data point testable in prelims.

Explanation

The article explains that a grand strategy (large front wheel) with undermined institutions (tiny back wheel) leads to a 'penny farthing' equilibrium, where development efforts are unstable and prone to stalling due to institutional friction.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that ELCOT, under the Information Technology and Digital Services Department, shall function as the nodal agency for the AVGC-XR sector. TIDCO and TNIFMC are involved in funding, while Guidance Tamil Nadu facilitates single-window clearances.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's target. Statement 2 is incorrect because the nodal agency is the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (ELCOT), not TIDCO. Statement 3 is correct as the TNESSF is described as a SEBI registered CAT-I AIF.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the TNESSF is set up with an anchor investment of ₹50 crore. The other options are plausible distractors for a state-level fund.

Explanation

The article's opening paragraph states the policy envisions positioning Tamil Nadu as a creative powerhouse where artists and technologists can drive a sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-led economy. While the film industry's strength is noted, the policy's objective is broader economic transformation through the AVGC-XR sector.

Explanation

While the Seventh Schedule distributes legislative powers, the FRBM Act, 2003 provides the legal framework for fiscal consolidation by mandating targets for reducing fiscal deficits for both the Central and State Governments. The article discusses debt-GDP ratios, which are central to FRBM compliance.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article categorizes the 1997 and 2008 crises as financial in origin with real economy spillovers. Statement 2 is correct as it identifies Covid and the Ukraine war as 'real' crises with financial spillovers. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the conflict could lead to a 'further weakening of the rupee', not strengthening.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Strait of Hormuz 'handles about a fifth of the world’s total petroleum liquid consumption and liquefied natural gas trade'. This is a critical data point highlighting the strategic importance of this maritime chokepoint.

Explanation

The article concludes that 'real' crises emanating from geopolitics make economic policymaking 'much more complicated'. It specifically notes this creates a challenge for India's fiscal consolidation efforts, as external shocks pressure government finances and the balance of payments just when debt reduction is a priority.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that one of the authors, Ashwin Upreti, is the assistant director at the 'Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation'. This is a direct factual extraction from the source.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states 'Historically, technology governance has been state-centric, with standards set by regulators.' Statement 2 is correct as it mentions 'the ability of machine-learning systems to evolve post-deployment, complicating regulation for static legal frameworks.' Statement 3 is incorrect because the article argues the opposite: 'a participatory approach to governance may only be effective when embedded in institutional design.'

Explanation

The article explicitly states that a participatory approach 'would enable the diverse community of end-users... to detect emerging harms that domain experts or developers overlook,' and that this is 'particularly helpful when bias relates to linguistic or cultural groups, regional practices or local traditions.'

Explanation

The article provides a specific list: 'AI-enabled systems increasingly impact labour markets, education, healthcare, finance, and even democratic processes.' This is a direct factual statement from the source material.

Explanation

The Bill mandates that any person wishing to convert must submit a written notice to the District Magistrate at least 60 days before the proposed conversion. The District Magistrate or an authorised officer may then conduct an inquiry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Bill defines 'mass conversion' as the conversion of two or more persons simultaneously, not five. Statement 2 is correct as explicitly mentioned. Statement 3 is incorrect; the child belongs to the religion of the mother before the marriage, not the father.

Explanation

The Bill prescribes a general punishment of 7 years imprisonment for unlawful conversion. However, for repeat offenders, it provides stricter punishment of imprisonment up to 10 years and a fine up to ₹7 lakh.

Explanation

The article highlights that while some states like Haryana recognize inheritance rights of children from such marriages, the Maharashtra Bill specifically defines the religion of the child, a feature not explicitly mentioned in many similar laws. The notice period is 60 days, not 30. It does not prescribe capital punishment nor limit its scope to foreign-origin religions.

Explanation

Article 145(3) of the Indian Constitution states that the minimum number of Judges who are to sit for the purpose of deciding any case involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution shall be five. This forms the basis for constituting a Constitution Bench.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the 1978 Bangalore Water Supply case by a 7-judge bench gave a broad interpretation. Statement 2 is incorrect; it was a 7-judge bench in 2017 (headed by CJI T.S. Thakur) that referred it to a 9-judge bench, not a 5-judge bench. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article explicitly states the 1982 Amendment Act 'seemingly did not come into force'.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is slated to commence on March 17 the hearing...' February 16 was when the court formulated issues, February 28 was the deadline for written submissions, and March 18 is when the hearing is scheduled to conclude.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions: 'one of the issues to be adjudicated... would be whether social welfare activities and schemes or other enterprises undertaken by the government departments... can be construed to be "industrial activities" for the purpose of Section 2(j)...'. The bench is interpreting the law, not setting wages (A), deciding the code's validity (C), or settling specific disputes (D).

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the Vienna-based IAEA conducts inspections and monitoring under the NPT framework to verify that nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes by non-nuclear weapon states.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The NPT recognizes the US, Russia, China, Britain, and France as nuclear-weapon states. Statement 2 is incorrect: Israel is NOT a signatory to the NPT and maintains nuclear ambiguity with no IAEA inspections. Statement 3 is correct: Iran is an NPT signatory and is allowed peaceful nuclear programs under IAEA safeguards.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The modern global nuclear order is governed by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which came into being in 1970.'

Explanation

The article's central argument is the 'underlying double standard' where adversaries like Iran (NPT signatory) face sanctions and attacks, while allies like Israel (non-signatory with nuclear weapons) face no international pressure or inspections, undermining the regime's credibility.

Explanation

Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. The Bill's stated objective is to protect this right by prohibiting unlawful conversions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which mentions 'imprisonment up to 10 years'. Statement 2 is correct as the article states the Bill was introduced by Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar during the Budget Session. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article explicitly states the Bill prohibits conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage.

Explanation

The article clearly states the Bill proposes a 'fine up to ₹7 lakh' for forcible conversion. The other options are plausible distractors but are not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

As stated by the Minister while introducing the Bill, its objective is 'to protect the right to freedom of religion' and 'to prohibit unlawful religious conversions'. The other options are either not mentioned or misrepresent the Bill's purpose as described in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'trisulfide metathesis reaction' was described in a paper published in the journal Nature Chemistry. This is a key factual detail for exam purposes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article describes the reaction as spontaneous at room temperature. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article emphasizes that no exogenous reagents or external stimuli are required. Statement 3 is correct as applications mentioned include modifying anti-cancer drugs and producing recyclable plastics. Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article repeatedly and specifically states that the discovered 'trisulfide metathesis reaction' makes and breaks sulphur-sulphur (S-S) bonds. This is the core scientific fact of the discovery.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the reaction allows for 'S-S metathesis polymerisation and depolymerisation as a platform for chemically recyclable plastics' and creating plastics that can be 'un-made' back to building blocks, supporting a circular plastics economy.

Explanation

Immunization programmes, including the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and new initiatives like the HPV drive, are implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). This ministry is responsible for public health policy and healthcare delivery in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the drive targets 14-year-old girls and uses the U-WIN platform. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article explicitly states, based on a Lok Sabha response from December 2025, that the HPV vaccine is NOT part of the UIP. Statement 3 is correct: Mission Indradhanush was launched in 2014 as a catch-up campaign under UIP.

Explanation

The article states: "An estimated 1.15 crore girls turn 14 every year in India." This is a precise data point crucial for understanding the scale of the vaccination programme. The other figures are distractors related to other statistics in the article (e.g., 75,000 annual cervical cancer deaths).

Explanation

The article explains that HPV immunization in the teenage years, when girls are going through puberty but are not sexually active, results in better and longer immunity. This is the core preventive health strategy. The other options, while potentially relevant, are not the primary rationale discussed in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) multiple times in the context of launching NavIC satellites, issuing statements on failures, and conducting failure analysis. While the Department of Space oversees space activities, ISRO is the primary execution agency.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'At least four indigenous navigation satellites must be fully operational for the NavIC system to provide navigation services.' Statement 2 is correct: the article states IRNSS-1F 'completed its design mission life of 10 years on 10th March 2026' before its failure. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article mentions the program started in 1999 after the Kargil War, not the 1962 war.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'With the reported failure of all atomic clocks on the IRNSS 1-F, a total of six of 11 Indian satellites meant for the NavIC system have failed due to the atomic clocks.' This includes IRNSS-1A, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, and now 1F.

Explanation

The article directly states that with the failure of IRNSS-1F, only three satellites (1B, 1L, 1J) remain operational for PNT services, down from four. It quotes sources saying 'Location services provided by the NavIC system in India are going to be affected.' The other options are extreme and not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The Bill stipulates that a person intending conversion or any institution organising a conversion ceremony must give a 60-day prior notice to the District Magistrate or another competent authority recognised by the government.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Bill expands 'allurement' to include glorification of one religion over another. Statement 2 is incorrect: The child is deemed to belong to the religion followed by the mother before such a marriage. Statement 3 is correct: The Bill places the burden of proving voluntary, non-coercive conversion on the person causing or aiding it.

Explanation

The Bill stipulates a stricter jail term of ten years and a fine of ₹7 lakh for repeat offenders, including individuals or organisations. The other options are penalties for other offences under the Bill.

Explanation

The article mentions that civil society organisations and opposition have termed such laws as against personal and religious freedom. The Supreme Court is hearing challenges to similar laws, which fundamentally question the balance between the state's power to regulate for public order and the individual's right to freedom of religion under Article 25.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategically vital maritime passage linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea. It is a primary route for global oil shipments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states Kharg Island was set up by the American Oil Company (Amoco), not BP. Statement 3 is correct as the article highlights its significance due to deep-water access for large tankers.

Explanation

The article states that according to JP Morgan, Iran 'sharply ramped up volumes to 3 million barrels a day in mid-February' ahead of a potential US-led attack. The average is 1.5 million barrels per day.

Explanation

A shipping expert quoted in the article states that not attacking oil facilities was 'a deliberate measure in the interest of stabilizing the oil price.' Destroying the infrastructure would have triggered a massive price spike, as it handles 90% of Iran's crude exports.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated the Section 301 investigations. The USTR is the lead agency for US trade policy and negotiations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article clearly mentions the probe is a 'Section 301 investigation'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the probe covers a wide range of sectors including steel, aluminum, automobiles, batteries, electronics, chemicals, machinery, semiconductors, and solar modules, not just a few. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists the UK, EU, Japan, Israel, UAE, Argentina, Russia, and China among the countries under scrutiny.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the USTR stating: "The ILO estimates that in 2024, the profits from forced labour in the global private economy amounted to roughly $63.9 billion annually." The other figures are distractors.

Explanation

The article states the US argues that forced labor gives firms an artificial cost advantage, injuring American businesses, and also raises 'national security' concerns due to worker exploitation. While environmental or revenue angles are not mentioned, the core rationale is protecting US commerce and security.

Explanation

The article mentions Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signing a condolence book at the Iranian embassy and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar speaking to his Iranian counterpart. These are diplomatic engagements, which fall under the purview of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly states the 'effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz' and resulting spike in oil prices. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions 'About 60% of India’s energy imports also come from this region'. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 'mosaic defence doctrine' is described as decentralizing command into 31 independent units, not centralizing it.

Explanation

The article states: 'About one crore Indians live and work in West Asia.' One crore equals 10 million. The other options are close distractors but not the exact figure provided.

Explanation

The article details India's 'precarious position' and 'strategic dilemma' stemming from its historical partnership with Iran (~9000 Indians there) versus its critical energy imports (~60%) and large diaspora (~1 crore) in Gulf countries that are strategic and trade partners. This is the core of India's diplomatic challenge.

Explanation

Article 22 of the Indian Constitution provides specific safeguards against arrest and detention, including preventive detention. It grants the right to be informed of grounds, consult a lawyer, and be produced before a magistrate. The Public Safety Act (PSA) discussed in the news operates within the framework of Article 22.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: As mentioned in the article, the PSA empowers authorities to detain anyone without trial for up to two years. Statement 2 is correct: The article mentions the detention order was passed by the District Magistrate, Pulwama. Statement 3 is correct: The article states the order was confirmed by the Home Department and upheld by the advisory board mandated to review such orders, implying its review is a statutory requirement.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "the Home Department... prescribed a six-month detention period from May 1 to October 31 last year." The other options are incorrect as the prescribed period was specifically six months, not three months, one year, or the maximum two years allowed under the Act.

Explanation

The court's judgment centered on "glaring contradictions" in dates between the police dossier, the district magistrate's detention order, and the jail superintendent's communication. It highlighted a "discord" in when the petitioner was called, detained, and sent to jail. The court declared the order illegal due to these procedural failures, not on the merits of evidence, legal representation, or duration.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the Allahabad High Court addressing the Sambhal District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP). The DM is the chief executive officer of the district, and the SP is the head of police, both responsible for law and order.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Court rejected restrictions on worshippers at a private mosque. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court clarified permission is only needed for activities on public land or spilling onto it. Statement 3 is correct, as the bench stated 'It is the duty of the State to ensure that the rule of law prevails under every circumstance.'

Explanation

The article states: 'A division bench... observed in its order, passed on February 27.' March 14 is the publication date, and March 16 is the next hearing date mentioned. February 28 is not mentioned.

Explanation

The core principle established by the Court, as quoted in the article, is that 'to perform worship without any permission from the State' on private property. The Court limited state involvement to only when activities occur on public land, thus protecting religious freedom from arbitrary administrative restrictions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the IRGC was established after the 1979 revolution with a mandate distinct from the conventional armed forces. While the regular army defends Iran's borders, the IRGC is charged with preserving the revolution and the political order itself.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article describes 'survival' as the paramount objective of the Islamic Republic since 1979. Statement 2 is incorrect; Israel's aim is regime change, not just disarmament. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article highlights a 'central strategic problem' and divergence, with US objectives being unclear and shifting, unlike Israel's clear regime-change goal.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that the survival imperative has been central 'since the republic's founding in 1979.' This was the year of the Iranian Revolution that overthrew the Shah and established the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini.

Explanation

The article directly states this risk: 'If, on the other hand, the alliance commits to regime change without a credible plan for what follows, it risks the kind of open-ended entanglement that neither country's political circumstances can sustain.' This highlights the danger of prolonged conflict without clear end goals.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the Nagarjuna Sagar (NSP) airport is planned to be developed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, known as UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the TEFR for Nagarjuna Sagar airport was prepared by Grant Thornton, not AAI. Statement 3 is correct as the article states land under LPS-1 is unavailable and 4,500 acres will be allotted under LPS-2.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "the total estimated cost is pegged at ₹7,472 crore" for the seven greenfield airports. ₹4,700 crore is the cost for Phase-I of Amaravati airport only, and ₹450 crore is for the brownfield expansion at Orvakal.

Explanation

The article specifies that the Amaravati airport "is going to be constructed in PPP mode on design–build-finance-operate-transfer (DBFOT) basis." While a JV with AAI is mentioned for Ongole airport, and UDAN is for Nagarjuna Sagar, the PPP model is explicitly stated for Amaravati.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the 2023 Sample Registration Survey (SRS) report as the source for Kerala's IMR of 5. The SRS, conducted by the Registrar General of India, is the primary source for annual vital statistics like birth and death rates in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'Hridayam' provides heart-related disease treatment for children from birth till 18. Statement 2 is incorrect; KARE (Kerala Against Rare Diseases) focuses on 'rare diseases', not common infectious diseases. Statement 3 is correct as the article states Shalabham screens for birth defects from birth up to 18 years with bi-annual screenings.

Explanation

The article clearly states that Kerala's IMR hit an all-time low of 5 (per 1,000 births) according to the 2023 SRS report. Option B (7) was Kerala's IMR in 2018 when it first achieved single-digit status. Option C (12) was the IMR ten years ago. Option D (25) is the national average.

Explanation

Dr. Rahul U.R., the State Nodal Officer, is quoted saying Kerala's achievement is 'the result of decades of social investment and a strong health system, rather than a single intervention.' This underscores the long-term, systemic nature of the success, which is a key takeaway for policy analysis questions.

Explanation

Article 25(1) of the Indian Constitution guarantees to all persons the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. This is the core article under consideration in the Sabarimala case.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Kerala government has asked the Supreme Court to consider the 'impartial' opinion of scholars and reformers before deciding, not to deliver judgment without deliberation. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions a nine-judge Constitution Bench. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the 2018 verdict was by a five-judge Bench and held the ban violated Article 25(1).

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'On April 7, a nine-judge Bench will begin hearing the review of the 2018 five-judge Bench’s verdict in the Sabarimala case.' The year is implied as 2026 based on the article's publication date.

Explanation

The article states the Sabarimala petitions are part of cases coming up before the nine-judge Bench on the question of what constitutes an 'essential religious practice'. This is the core legal doctrine under examination, which determines which religious practices receive constitutional protection under Article 25.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that "MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said...". MEA stands for the Ministry of External Affairs, which is responsible for India's foreign relations and diplomacy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which lists the stranded vessels. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the strait carries 'around 20%' of the global supply, not 30%. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the concluding paragraph.

Explanation

The article specifically states: "The waterway... carries around 20% of the global oil and seaborne liquefied natural gas supply." The other options are plausible-sounding distractors.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "The blockade has led to a gas shortage in India, with the government cutting industrial supplies to protect household cooking gas." This is a direct impact of the disruption in energy imports.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the 9-judge Constitution Bench is a bench of the Supreme Court, which is the apex judicial body in India. Constitution Benches are formed by the Supreme Court to decide important questions of constitutional law.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states the Kerala govt called for 'wide consultation'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the original judgment was on September 28, 2018, and does not specify it was a 7-judge bench. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists the 7 questions framed by the SC.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'the 9-judge bench, which has set April 7, 2026, to commence the hearing.' March 14 is the article's publication date. September 28 is the date of the 2018 judgment. November 13 is referenced for a 2007 affidavit.

Explanation

The article quotes the state's submission: 'should not be as to whether a particular religious practice... appeals to reason or sentiment, but should be as to whether the belief is genuinely and conscientiously held as part of the profession or practice of religion.' This is the core of its argument for judicial review.

Explanation

The article states that the 'Unified Guidelines for Selection of LPG Distributors' (UGS) were introduced by the union ministry of petroleum and natural gas in June 2016. This ministry oversees the petroleum sector and the public sector oil marketing companies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the court upheld the February 21, 2025 policy. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court emphasized that distributors cannot claim permanent rights over customers. Statement 3 is correct as the court relied on Articles 39(b) and 39(c) of the Constitution.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the new 2025 policy ensures a distributor's customer base cannot fall below 100% of the refill ceiling limit. The 2018 policy allowed reduction to 75%, making 100% the correct and improved guarantee under the upheld policy.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the court invoked the principles of 'indoor management'. This doctrine presumes that internal corporate procedures have been correctly followed unless proven otherwise. The other doctrines are unrelated to corporate internal approvals.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the commercial contract between India's Department of Atomic Energy and Canada's Cameco for the supply of uranium ore concentrates.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states the CEPA terms of agreement have been signed. Statement 2 is correct as an MoU under the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation Partnership was signed. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the Pax Silica coalition strengthens strategic cooperation in AI and semiconductors, not maritime security.

Explanation

The article clearly states India's target is achieving 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047. This is a key data point linked to the uranium deal with Canada.

Explanation

The article explains that supply chains for critical minerals are concentrated with a few countries, most notably China, and that after China leveraged these chains, nations recognized the need to secure their own. The bilateral commitment aligns with this need for diversification and security.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central banking institution responsible for regulating the banking sector. It issues Master Directions on various banking regulations, including KYC norms, as mentioned in the article regarding changes announced in June last year.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states RBI announced changes to KYC norms in June last year (2025). Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clearly states low-risk customers require KYC updates every 10 years, not two years. Statement 3 is correct as bankers claim the implementation of PMJDY swelled the number of bank accounts, making verification difficult.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that bank officials say the compliance burden is overwhelming as there are over 250 crore bank accounts in India. This is a key data point highlighting the scale of the operational challenge.

Explanation

The article directly links the success of PMJDY in opening millions of bank accounts to the current KYC crisis. Bankers claim that the sheer number of accounts, which 'further swelled after the implementation' of PMJDY, has made the task of verifying customer identity 'even more difficult'. This is the primary application/impact discussed.