15 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

Article 145(3) states that any case involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution shall be heard by a bench of not less than five judges. The 9-judge bench in the Sabarimala reference exceeds this minimum requirement.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article where SG Tushar Mehta argued Article 25(1) does not provide for gender equality. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bench cautioned against conflating Articles 15/16 with 25/26, stating they function on 'different planes'. Statement 3 is correct as Justice Nagarathna made this observation about PILs on Day 11.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the hearing spanned '16 days', describing it as a 'marathon hearing'. The verdict was reserved on May 14, 2026, after these 16 days of proceedings.

Explanation

On Day 14, the bench raised broader questions about balancing social reform with preserving India's civilisational identity while examining denominational protections. Justice Nagarathna explicitly asked if the bench was 'going to upset the civilisation'. This reflects the core dilemma of enforcing modern constitutional values without disrupting traditional societal structures.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the India-EFTA TEPA is between India and the European Free Trade Association, whose members are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. This is a key static GK fact linked to the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the summit is in Oslo. Statement 2 is correct: It mentions Sweden's firm position on de-risking from China, including removing Chinese vendors from telecom. Statement 3 is correct: The article notes the Netherlands is India's largest export destination in Europe. Hence, all are correct.

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'Bilateral merchandise trade approximately US$1 billion in 2024-25'. The other options are plausible distractors but do not match the exact figure provided in the news content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that with all five Nordic states as Arctic Council members, the Summit aims to establish a dedicated India-Nordic Arctic cooperation mechanism. This is a clear strategic objective mentioned, unlike the other options which are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that on May 14, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against 10 accused. The NIA is the central agency mandated to investigate terror cases across India.

Explanation

All three statements are factually correct as per the article. It states: 'In J&K, against 61 terrorism-related incidents reported in 2024, 35 incidents were reported in 2025, and only nine had been reported up to May 2, 2026.'

Explanation

The article provides the exact data: 'One security personnel was killed in the incidents in 2026'. The other options are distractors: 9 is the number of incidents in 2026, 17 is the number killed in 2025, and 35 is the number of incidents in 2025.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The Red Fort attack has unequivocally demonstrated the serious consequences of "silent radicalisation" among a section of Kashmiris, including professionals.' This is identified as a core challenge emerging from the incident.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Maharashtra government referred to a 1998 notification of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) of the Union government. The DoPT is the nodal agency for policies related to recruitment and reservations in central government jobs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the government cited that reservation has touched 72%, not that it exceeded 50%. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Supreme Court in the Chaya case (2026) held that migration was permissible under the specific facts of that case where the relaxed criterion was not essential.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "The government’s Cabinet note stated that reservation in government jobs in the state has touched 72 per cent." This is a direct factual data point from the news.

Explanation

The article quotes former minister Nitin Raut stating the decision is a "direct assault on the constitutional rights" and that the Constitution entitles a reserved category candidate securing marks equivalent to the open category to be selected under it. This relates to the principle of equality of opportunity under Article 16.

Explanation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Education (formerly Ministry of Human Resource Development). It is responsible for conducting major national entrance exams.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article, which mentions the recovery of a handwritten 'guess paper'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the initial recovery was made by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG), and the CBI was later brought in. Statement 3 is correct as the NTA had given assurances about security protocols.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'twenty-two lakh seventy-nine thousand students' sat for the NEET-UG 2026 exam. This precise figure is a key data point from the report.

Explanation

The core issue, as highlighted in the article's title and content, is the questioning of NTA's credibility and the need for a thorough examination of its functioning. This points to a systemic failure in governance, transparency, and maintaining trust, which is more fundamental than just funding or technical glitches.

Explanation

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), which is the central statistical agency of India. While the Ministry of Labour and Employment uses the data, the survey's execution falls under the NSO's mandate.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the PLFS 2025 reports an unemployment rate of 3%. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states agriculture's share of employment has declined to 43%, not increased. Statement 3 is correct as it directly quotes the article's data point on formal vocational training.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that around 25% of those aged 15-29 fall into the NEET category. This is a critical data point highlighting the challenge of youth disengagement from the labour market.

Explanation

The article directly states that while men cited education as a primary reason for being outside the labour force, women pointed to childcare and household responsibilities. This reveals the structural constraint of the unequal distribution of unpaid care work, which creates a double burden for women.

Explanation

The 'Taper Tantrum' of 2013 was triggered by the U.S. Federal Reserve's announcement regarding the potential end of its quantitative easing program, leading to massive capital outflows from emerging markets like India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states outflows happened "even though interest rates in the U.S. and the U.K. have not changed". Statement 2 is incorrect; the widening CAD is due to rising oil prices, not a decline in software exports. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article's policy response section.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of England have maintained interest rates at 3.75% since December 2025." The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article explains the policy bind: raising domestic interest rates can help arrest the rupee's slide but would "negatively affect domestic investment." This captures the core trade-off between external stability and internal growth.

Explanation

As per the article, ISPRL is a specialized Indian public sector company under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. It is responsible for maintaining the country's strategic crude oil reserves.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as the article states 'UAE has been the first country to partner with India in the "Strategic Petroleum Reserves"'. Statement 3 is incorrect because the pact is for a Ship Repair Cluster at Vadinar, not Kandla.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'last year, the UAE was the 4th largest source of crude oil meeting nearly 11 percent of our requirement.' The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article begins by stating that PM Modi stressed 'the Strait of Hormuz should be "free, open and safe"'. This is a direct quote and a primary strategic objective related to securing energy supply routes. The other options, while possible areas of cooperation, are not mentioned in the provided text.

Explanation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is the autonomous body established by the Government of India to conduct entrance examinations like NEET-UG, JEE Main, and UGC-NET. The article mentions the NTA cancelled and rescheduled the NEET-UG exam.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the exam was conducted on May 3 and cancelled. Statement 2 is incorrect: the shift to CBT is from 2027, not 2026. Statement 3 is correct: the case has been handed over to the CBI. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, as seen in the sub-headline, that '120 of 410 questions from NEET UG appeared in ‘guess paper’'. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article clearly states the move to CBT 'is aimed at reducing the possibility of leaks and strengthening the overall security architecture'. While other options might be secondary effects or misconceptions, the primary objective stated is enhancing security.

Explanation

The article mentions the rescued girl was placed in the Child Welfare Committee's custody. The CWC is a statutory body under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, responsible for the care and protection of children.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is a static GK fact about the MTP Act. Statement 3 is incorrect; the court considered the medical board's opinion against termination due to high risk, along with the survivor and mother's choice.

Explanation

The medical board report stated the pregnancy was in an advanced stage of 30 weeks and 4 days with a viable fetus. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The order pointed out that for a minor, the opinion of her parents or legal guardian 'matters' in choosing the legal route, even at an advanced stage, subject to risk to the mother's health and life. This balances guardianship consent with medical risk assessment.

Explanation

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the nodal ministry for the exploration, production, refining, distribution, and marketing of petroleum products and natural gas in India, which includes overseeing the public sector OMCs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as prices were last hiked in April 2022. Statement 2 is correct as OMCs were losing ₹42/litre on diesel versus ₹14/litre on petrol. Statement 3 is incorrect; the government had slashed excise duty by ₹10/litre in late March 2026, not increased it.

Explanation

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that the combined losses of the three refiners-cum-fuel retailers are projected at ₹1 lakh crore in the April-June quarter at the current price levels.

Explanation

The article clearly states that a staggered approach was chosen because a one-shot steep hike would not be politically palatable and would have a shock factor. Calibrated hikes allow the government to pass on higher prices gradually while monitoring public reaction and inflation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that consolidation of legal repositories would involve transferring ownership of the physical gazette from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to a merged entity. This is a specific administrative detail mentioned in the text.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's reference to the Supreme Court's principle. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says 12,500 jail provisions were removed by the Jan Vishwas Bill combined with the Labour Codes, not by Jan Vishwas alone. Statement 3 is incorrect; the $10,000 loss is estimated in per capita GDP, not total GDP.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "our administrative state has invented 19 Non-act/Non-rule instruments". The number 41 refers to the different types of compliances created, and 70+ refers to the number of central ministries.

Explanation

The article states the guarantee would mean if a compliance is listed on the India Code website, it must be complied with, and if it's not, it can be safely ignored. This aims to eliminate confusion and reduce corruption, not increase revenue or change legislative powers.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the policy was framed by the General Administration Department (GAD) following recommendations from multiple authorities. This department handles administrative rules and procedures for the state government.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: candidates using relaxations (age, qualification, etc.) except fee concessions are barred from open category. Statement 2 is incorrect; the 72% reservation is above the Supreme Court's 50% ceiling. Statement 3 is correct as the government stated the move was aimed at removing ambiguity and ensuring uniform implementation.

Explanation

The article clearly states that with the inclusion of the Maratha quota under SEBC, total reservation in Maharashtra has climbed to 72%. The Supreme Court ceiling is 50%, making 72% a key data point.

Explanation

The state government stated the move was aimed at removing ambiguity in recruitment processes and ensuring uniform implementation of reservation norms across departments. The policy does not aim to increase reservation percentage or merge categories.

Explanation

The article states the family approached the court under the Indian Succession Act, 1925, seeking 'letters of administration'. The court appointed the daughter as administrator under this Act, which governs inheritance when a person dies without a will.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court held that the right to privacy 'extinguishes with the individual' and 'no claim in respect of the right to privacy of the deceased can be sustained'. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions the court found merit in arguments using definitions from the General Clauses Act and other statutes. Statement 3 is incorrect; the court directed Apple based on the succession law order, while the DPDP Act's nomination (Section 14) was discussed as a gap-filler, not the sole basis.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The Income Tax Act... already taxes cryptocurrencies and NFTs as virtual digital assets under Section 2(47A).' This shows existing statutory recognition of some digital assets, which the court used to support its reasoning.

Explanation

The article repeatedly emphasizes that while the DPDP Act allows nomination, it 'does not comprehensively regulate digital inheritance.' It also notes the IT Act 'does not create inheritance rights over digital accounts' and the Indian Succession Act 'predates the internet entirely.' This clearly identifies the lack of a dedicated legal framework as the core gap.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the court directed the ASI to have full supervisory control over the Bhojshala complex. The ASI is the primary government organization responsible for archaeological research and conservation of cultural heritage in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the court 'impugned' (challenged and set aside) the 2003 ASI order, it did not uphold it. Statement 3 is correct as the court suggested the Muslim community could seek alternate land.

Explanation

The court order specifically stated that the disputed area is held to be a protected monument under the AMASR Act, 1958, with effect from March 18, 1904. This is a key factual date mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states: 'The court rejected the Muslim side's argument... The court noted that the Act was only enforced in April, 1937 while rejecting the validity of the Ailan.' This indicates the timing of the Act's enforcement was the legal ground for dismissal.

Explanation

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through its Department of Commerce, handles India's international trade agreements, including FTAs like the CETA. The Commerce Secretary, mentioned in the article, is a senior official of this ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the delay is due to a new UK regulation on steel imports, not an Indian regulation on exports. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: "Once the reduced quotas are exhausted, imports will be subject to a 50% tariff, an increase from the current 25% above-quota tariff." Therefore, the correct percentage is 50%.

Explanation

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal explicitly stated that the UK has come ahead with a steel measure recently which was not factored in while negotiating the FTA, creating a sticking point. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the principal agency for meteorology and is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as it states the normal onset date. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article states the IMD projected below-normal rainfall (80 cm) and attributed it to El Niño conditions, not La Niña.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The country is likely to get 80 cm of rainfall in the monsoon months.' 87 cm is the Long Period Average (LPA), not the projection.

Explanation

The article directly links the forecast of below-normal rainfall to El Niño, stating: 'The IMD said this could be due to the emergence of the El Niño conditions, which cause less rainfall in the country.'

Explanation

The 'One-China Policy' is a principle held by the People's Republic of China (PRC) asserting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Other countries, including the US, may 'acknowledge' or 'recognize' this position as part of their diplomatic relations with Beijing.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The deal was for 200 aircraft with a potential future expansion to 750, not an immediate purchase of 750. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect because the US President explicitly said, "I made no commitment on Taiwan."

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "He announced that China had agreed to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft, with a potential commitment that could eventually expand to 750 planes." The quiz section also confirms this fact.

Explanation

The core takeaway on Taiwan was the absence of a US commitment. President Trump's direct quote was "I made no commitment on Taiwan." This highlights the US strategy of maintaining strategic ambiguity while engaging with China, a key aspect of their complex relationship.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The Reserve Bank of India has kept the FPI investment cap in government securities at 6% of outstanding stock.' Therefore, the RBI is the nodal body for this regulation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article defines WHT as 'tax deducted at source, is paid by foreign investors on the interest they earn.' Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states the concessional 5% regime 'expired in July 2023.' Statement 3 is correct: The article calls a high WHT 'a major deterrent for foreign capital inflows.'

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'With capital outflows eroding India’s foreign exchange reserves by nearly $38 billion since March this year...' This is the key data point triggering the proposed tax cut.

Explanation

The article's core thesis is that reducing the WHT will 'revive overseas inflows' and 'help stabilise forex reserves' by making Indian debt more attractive to foreign investors, thereby countering the $38 billion reserve erosion.

Explanation

Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty establishes the principle of collective defence, a cornerstone of the NATO alliance. This is a fundamental static GK fact in International Relations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article (5,000 troops, ~14%). Statement 2 is incorrect; Macron's proposal is a complement, not a replacement, for NATO's umbrella. Statement 3 is correct; the article lists the five host nations as Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, and Turkey.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Germany's historic Zeitenwende policy and its €100 billion special defence fund aimed at modernising its armed forces. This is a key data point highlighting Europe's conventional defence spending increase.

Explanation

The core debate revived in Europe is about 'strategic autonomy' – the idea that Europe should ensure its own security without excessive dependence. France's proposal is a step in this direction, aiming to complement, not replace, existing structures like NATO.

Explanation

The NGT is a specialized judicial body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, for the effective disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation. The article references the NGT's mandate.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct; Great Nicobar is part of Sundaland Hotspot and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2013. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Shompen are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) with a population of 229, not a Scheduled Tribe of 1,200 (that is the Southern Nicobarese).

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Shompen, a PVTG, number just 229 according to the 2011 Census. The Southern Nicobarese, a Scheduled Tribe, number about 1,200. 650 refers to plant species, and 1,000 is a distractor.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that a million trees marked for felling in these tropical forests 'play a critical role as moisture-rich precursors to the southwest monsoon'. This indicates a direct impact on regional climate patterns, a significant ecological risk.

Explanation

The CBI functions under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Department of Personnel and Training). This is a key static fact about India's premier investigative agency.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the approval was under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), not PMLA. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions a parallel ED probe. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the scam amount is Rs 590-crore. This is a direct factual recall question, testing attention to numerical detail in news.

Explanation

Section 17A of the PCA mandates prior approval from the competent authority (government) before any police inquiry or investigation can be initiated against a public servant for actions taken in official capacity. This approval is a procedural safeguard, not about arrest powers or case transfer.

Explanation

The Thucydides Trap is traced to the work of Greek historian Thucydides, 'The History of the Peloponnesian War', which details the conflict between Athens and Sparta from 431-404 BC.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Graham Allison's 2017 book is credited with popularizing the term. Statement 2 is correct as it describes the trap's core premise. Statement 3 is incorrect; Thucydides wrote about the war between Athens and Sparta, not Persia.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Graham Allison's book 'Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides Trap?' was published in 2017.

Explanation

Xi Jinping asked, "Can China and the United States transcend the so-called 'Thucydides Trap' and forge a new paradigm for major-power relations?" This directly frames the current US-China dynamic within the trap theory and questions its inevitability, implying a desire to avoid that pattern.

Explanation

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the premier organization for archaeological research and protection of cultural heritage in India. It functions under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the MP High Court ordered the ASI survey 'last year', which is 2025 relative to the 2026 article date. Statement 2 is incorrect: The ASI report and the court's conclusion was that the character was of a Saraswati temple, not a mosque. Statement 3 is correct: The court set aside portions of the April 7, 2003, ASI order.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Under an arrangement made in 2003, Hindus perform puja at the complex on Tuesdays while Muslims offer namaz on Fridays.' This factual detail is a classic target for a Prelims question.

Explanation

Senior advocate Salman Khurshid argued that the ASI removed stairs and platforms during the survey, which he claimed violated Section 16 of the 1958 Act that mandates preservation of the monument's character. This argument centers on the interpretation of the ASI's legal duties.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Deepa M. Ollapally is a Research Professor of International Affairs at The George Washington University, U.S. CHRIST University is the affiliation of the co-author N. Manoharan.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly mentions India's ability to maintain good relations with these powers without taking sides as the clearest expression of strategic autonomy. Statement 2 is correct as the article states the FTA denouement came after 20 years of slow negotiations. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article points out doubts about tech transfer and notes that source codes and algorithms will remain under French control.

Explanation

The article states, "Indeed, the U.S. overtook China as India's largest trading partner in 2021-22." The other options are close distractors based on recent fiscal years.

Explanation

The article clearly states that Mr. Trump's arbitrary demands (to discontinue crude oil imports from Russia, forego the strategic partnership with Iran on Chabahar port, etc.) pose the biggest challenge to India's strategic autonomy in decades. The other options are either secondary or not the primary challenge highlighted.

Explanation

Article 44 of the Constitution, under the Directive Principles of State Policy, states that 'The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.' This is the constitutional basis for UCC initiatives like the one in Uttarakhand.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly states the FIR was registered under Sections 3 and 4 of the Muslim Women Act. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article mentions the addition of UCC Sections 32(1)(ii) and (iii), not the IPC (it mentions BNS - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaced IPC).

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'After over a month-long investigation, police named nine accused in the chargesheet.' This is a direct factual recall from the provided content.

Explanation

As highlighted in the article, this is the first instance of UCC provisions being invoked for allegations like nikah halala. Its significance lies in testing how the new uniform law interacts with and potentially supersedes existing personal matrimonial laws, setting a judicial precedent.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), through its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), is mandated by the Government of India to target Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation within a specified band, as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: WPI rose to 8.3% in April from 3.88% in March, which is more than double. Statement 2 is incorrect: The spike in WPI was led by soaring fuel and power prices (24.71%), not food. Statement 3 is correct: CPI inflation was at a 13-month high of 3.48%.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the spike in WPI was led by soaring fuel and power prices, which rose by 24.71%. The 67.2% figure is for the 'Petroleum and natural gas' sub-component, which is a part of this broader category.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the sharp divergence between CPI and WPI suggests producers are absorbing costs, a situation that is unlikely to remain sustainable. This absorption creates imminent risks of these costs being passed on to consumers, leading to higher retail inflation in the future.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the '16th Finance Commission' has recommended that heatwaves be notified as a national disaster. The NDMA implements action plans but did not make this specific recommendation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions uneven quality and imitation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the grid can supply 'at most 60%' of its installed capacity, not over 80%. Statement 3 is correct as it highlights the inappropriateness of Western solutions for India's wetter heat and their high cost.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'the grid in India, even on its best days, can supply at most 60% of its installed capacity.' This is a critical data point highlighting infrastructure constraints for scaling up mechanical cooling.

Explanation

The article's central proposal is a 'national cooling doctrine' that frames safe indoor cooling not as a luxury but as a 'public-health entitlement to be guaranteed'. The other options are either not mentioned (international funding, decentralization to municipal corps) or are only one part of the suggested technological solution (cheaper ACs).

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the cancellation of 'NEET-UG 2026'. NEET-UG is the single national entrance test for MBBS/BDS admissions in India, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the data in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article highlights a critical 'shortage' of qualified faculty, not a surplus. Statement 3 is correct as the article proposes a 'national faculty pool' and integrating 'Professors of Practice' as innovative measures to mitigate faculty shortages.

Explanation

The article states that the cancellation 'has not only left over 22 lakh medical aspirants in the lurch'. The other options are plausible distractors but the specific figure mentioned is 'over 22 lakh'.

Explanation

The article explicitly suggests 'A national faculty pool: A centralised pool of qualified faculty... can be created to deliver teaching across institutions, either physically or through digital platforms.' This is presented as an innovative approach to optimise faculty utilisation. The other options are not mentioned as solutions.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Sri Lanka's Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar making the statement and urging the ban. While the Navy enforces the law, the policy and diplomatic outreach on fisheries issues falls under the Fisheries Ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'a practice prohibited in Sri Lanka since 2017.' Statement 2 is incorrect; the Minister explicitly said 'The arrests are not arbitrary.' Statement 3 is correct as mentioned: 'Around 25 % of the people on the island’s north and east depend on fisheries for livelihood.' Hence, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'According to data published by the Sri Lankan Navy, a total of 346 Indian fishermen were arrested in 2026, on charges of illegal fishing in the island’s territorial waters.' The other numbers are not mentioned.

Explanation

The Minister directly links the arrests to the fishing method: 'The arrests are not arbitrary. Authorities detain fishermen from Tamil Nadu because they pursue an illegal fishing method in our territorial waters. Bottom trawling destroys marine resources...' While the annual ban is mentioned, it is a separate Tamil Nadu regulation; the core reason for Sri Lanka's action is the illegal fishing method within its waters.

Explanation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is the autonomous body under the Ministry of Education responsible for conducting the NEET-UG examination, as mentioned in the article. It was established to centralize entrance test administration.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's focus. Statement 2 is incorrect; the committee was headed by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, not K Kasturirangan. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the 2024 leak led to the committee's recommendations. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the exam was conducted at 5,432 centres in the current year. This is a precise data point for factual recall.

Explanation

As stated in the article, committee members emphasized that the principle was to minimize the number of people accessing the question paper file to reduce the chance of a weak link. This is a core governance and security concept.

Explanation

Delimitation is carried out by a Delimitation Commission constituted under the Delimitation Act. The ECI conducts elections but does not redraw boundaries. This static GK linkage is essential for polity questions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the core thesis of the article is a shift from doubtful to dubious elections. Statement 2 is correct as Punjab 1992 and J&K 1987 are listed as historical exceptions. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the Supreme Court has been a 'spectator so far'.

Explanation

The article states that treating all 91 lakh deletions as suspect casts doubt on the final outcome in 158 seats. The other options are distractors: 91 is the lakh of deletions, 105 is the number of seats BJP won among those 158, and 26 is the number of seats the BJP may have won due to the most dubious deletions.

Explanation

The article's core institutional critique is that the ECI can 'act as an arm of the ruling party' and that 'yesterday's umpire can overnight become the winning team's player'. This reflects a deep concern about the erosion of its constitutional neutrality.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that officials say compensation has been awarded according to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. This is the current law governing such processes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'The project was formally cleared by the Union Cabinet in December 2021.' Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says the dam is on the Ken river and the canal transfers water to the Betwa basin. Statement 3 is correct: 'Official estimates indicate that 22 villages will be affected and over 7,000 families displaced.'

Explanation

The article states: 'The project was formally cleared by the Union Cabinet in December 2021 at an estimated cost of over Rs 44,000 crore.' The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Protesters have demanded "land for land" rehabilitation within similar forested terrain instead of one-time cash settlements.' This reflects their concern that cash cannot replace their access to forest and river ecosystems.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the remarks were made at a conclave of the Foreign Ministers of the BRICS nations in New Delhi. BRICS is the grouping mentioned.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Jaishankar noted the UNSC continues to reflect an earlier era. Statement 2 is incorrect as he called for expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories. Statement 3 is correct as he said UN effectiveness and credibility will remain constrained without reform.

Explanation

The article clearly states the date as "India on Friday (May 15, 2026) strongly called for expansion..." and the published date is May 15, 2026.

Explanation

Jaishankar stated, "The world today is more interconnected, complex, and multipolar than when many of our current institutions were created. Yet, the structures that underpin global governance have not kept pace with these changes." This is the core reason for reform.

Explanation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is the autonomous body under the Ministry of Education responsible for conducting national-level entrance exams like NEET and JEE. This is directly mentioned in the article where the NTA announced the cancellation and re-exam.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'The NTA on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states: 'fees paid by students would be refunded, and there would be zero fees for students sitting in the re-exam'. Statement 3 is correct as the Minister said: 'The main root of the leak is the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets.'

Explanation

The Union Education Minister explicitly stated: 'From next year, the NEET exam will be conducted in a computer-based format.' Since the announcement was made in 2026, 'next year' refers to 2027.

Explanation

The Minister stated the shift to CBT is to 'ensure transparency' and directly linked it to addressing the 'main root of the leak', which is the OMR sheets. While other benefits like city choice or duration extension are mentioned, the core objective cited is enhancing security and transparency.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Supreme Court had asked the 'environment ministry' to suggest names. This ministry, officially the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), is the nodal agency for environmental protection and forest conservation in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Bench clearly stated, 'We will not pass any order in favour of the mining lease holders now.' Statement 2 is incorrect; the committee recommended the gap as 500 metres, not 1 kilometre. Statement 3 is correct as per the article. Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article specifies the committee's recommendation: 'any landform... with an elevation of 100 metres or more above its local relief' should be defined as an 'Aravalli Hill'. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states the Court took note of the outcry and kept the order in abeyance because there was a need to resolve 'critical ambiguities', including whether the 100m/500m criteria would 'strip a significant portion of the range of environmental protection'. This reflects the Court's concern for ecological integrity over procedural haste.