16 June 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is the central bank of Japan and is responsible for monetary policy, including setting the benchmark interest rate (uncollateralized overnight call rate), as clearly stated in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the BOJ raised the rate to 1% on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect; the hike was to address inflationary pressures, not deflationary ones. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions challenges from a weak yen. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate to 1% on Tuesday..." The previous rate was 0.75%, and the hike was by a quarter of a percentage point (25 bps).

Explanation

The article directly links inflationary pressures to the war in Iran, which has sent oil prices soaring. Japan, being heavily reliant on oil and gas imports, is particularly vulnerable to such external price shocks, as stated in the text.

Explanation

The Supreme Court held that when Article 23 (prohibition of traffic in human beings) is read together with Article 21 (right to life and dignity), it establishes the State's obligation to provide rehabilitation to trafficking victims, making it a fundamental right.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Court linked rehabilitation to Articles 21 and 23. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court declined to issue a mandamus for OCIA, leaving it for future government consideration. Statement 3 is correct; the judgment explicitly limited its consideration to trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation (CSE).

Explanation

The Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to notify institutions, prepare panels, and appoint nodal officers within three months. Compliance reports are to be placed before the Court when the matter is taken up again in September 2026.

Explanation

The Court's plan moves away from viewing victims as passive recipients. It emphasizes principles like informed consent, non-discrimination, and respecting the dignity and agency of survivors in decisions regarding their rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the ongoing row is over steel curbs and that India is seeking a steel quota worth $900 million. The dispute centres on exports of iron and steel and their products.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the FTA was signed in July 2025 and its implementation is delayed. Statement 2 is incorrect; the UK's CBAM is set to come into effect on January 1, 2027, not July 1, 2026 (which is the date for the steel quota). Statement 3 is correct as the article states India's exports were $893.4 million in 2025-26.

Explanation

The article's headline and first paragraph clearly state that India is pushing for a steel quota worth nearly $900 million. The other options are plausible but incorrect figures not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The article states that trade experts said such measures are typically announced to curb trade diversion from other countries, particularly the EU and the US, both of which have also raised tariffs on steel outside quotas to 50%.

Explanation

The article explicitly states France is the current chair of the G7 and is hosting the G7 summit in Evian in June 2026. This is a key fact for international relations static GK.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Year of Innovation was inaugurated during Macron's India visit for the AI Summit. Statement 2 is incorrect: 'Bharat Innovates' was in Nice, not Paris (VivaTech is in Paris). Statement 3 is correct as per the article. This tests precise location and event linkage.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions the postponement of the India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled for May 2026. This is a direct data point for factual recall.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the potential for Franco-Indian cooperation in Africa 'has not been fully exploited' and must get attention, highlighting it as a significant new area. Other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the nodal ministry for India's internal security, law and order, and citizenship-related issues. The article discusses a committee formed on demographic change framed as a security challenge, which falls under the MHA's purview.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice P.P. Naolekar. Statement 2 is correct: The article states the committee is to 'recommend a time-bound solution'. Statement 3 is correct: The PM announced the proposal in his Independence Day address in 2025. Hence, all three statements are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions: 'On June 14, Switzerland held a referendum and rejected a proposal to cap the country’s population at 10 million.' This example was cited in the context of global debates on population management.

Explanation

The article highlights critical concerns that the securitized approach, based on assessing 'abnormal shifts' among religious communities, could lead to 'communal profiling of Muslims' and, through reliance on documentation for establishing facts, might 'create a large stateless population'. This is presented as a significant human cost.

Explanation

While Article 21 guarantees protection of life and personal liberty, the specific provisions regarding preventive detention, including safeguards against such detention, are detailed in Article 22 of the Constitution. This is a core static polity fact.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the petitioner was a physically challenged Dalit advocate. Statement 2 is incorrect; the figure of 2,500 was for the period from May 2025 to April 2026 (nearly a year), not a single month. Statement 3 is correct as per the article's mention of recovery from salary after a disciplinary hearing.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that "around 2,500 people were reportedly subjected to preventive detention proceedings in Ghaziabad" during the specified period. This is a key data point from the news.

Explanation

The article directly states that "the executive has been historically reluctant to penalise its personnel" as a key reason why implementing the ruling (which includes recovering compensation from officials) will be difficult. This highlights the challenge of accountability within the administration.

Explanation

The article repeatedly mentions the IAEA in the context of monitoring Iran's nuclear programme, access for its inspectors, and the importance of robust IAEA verification for any agreement.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The MoU, as reported, states that the U.S. agrees to allow dilution 'on Iranian soil', not abroad. Statement 2 is incorrect; the negotiation window is 60 days, not 90. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly states Pakistan mediated the negotiations.

Explanation

The article states, 'The Donald Trump administration and Iranian negotiators finalised a preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 14...' June 19 is the signing date, and June 16 is the publication date.

Explanation

The article clearly states: '...after which the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened and the U.S. naval blockade will be lifted.' The other options are not mentioned as immediate consequences; nuclear facility status and sanctions relief are subjects for the 60-day negotiations.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the report was 'produced in collaboration with the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai.' This is a factual recall question testing attention to detail regarding institutions mentioned in the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The report states trust is at its 'lowest level globally since 2015,' not the highest. Statement 2 is correct as per the article: 'while this trend is more evident among younger audiences, it is prevalent across all age groups.' Statement 3 is incorrect: The article states creators are 'rated lower on trust and impartiality' but are seen as 'more entertaining.'

Explanation

The article provides the exact figure: '10% of respondents globally now using them.' This is a classic data-centric question where the examiner tests the candidate's ability to memorize precise statistics from important reports.

Explanation

The article states: 'Paradoxically, while traditional news sources decline amid the emergence of platforms, people are also more concerned about misinformation and put less trust in the news they come across.' This captures the core contradiction between ease of access and credibility, a key analytical point for mains answers on media and governance.

Explanation

The Power System Development Fund (PSDF) is administered by the Ministry of Power, Government of India. It is used to support financially critical projects related to power system development, including grid stability and integration of renewable energy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states KSEB has given October 2026 as the COD for all five projects. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clarifies that MW denotes the maximum power a BESS can deliver at any moment, while MWh indicates the total energy it can store. Statement 3 is correct as the Brahmapuram project is approved with VGF through the PSDF scheme.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the first BESS in Kasaragod district is coming up at Mylatti with a proposed capacity of 125 megawatts (MW)/500 megawatt hours (MWh). The 250MW/500MWh option refers to the separate Brahmapuram project.

Explanation

The article states that Kerala often has surplus electricity during daytime due to solar generation but lacks large storage systems. This forces expensive power purchases during high-demand non-solar hours. The BESS projects aim to store the daytime surplus ('time-shifting') to address this specific grid management challenge.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the 'Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) of 2015' as the previous US-Iran agreement focused on Iran's nuclear programme. IAEA is the International Atomic Energy Agency, OPEC is the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and UNSC is the United Nations Security Council.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article calls it a 'memorandum of understanding (MoU)', which is typically a non-binding agreement, and it is to be signed by the US Vice President, not the President. Statement 2 is correct as per the article which states it 'appears to go well beyond the nuclear question'. Statement 3 is incorrect as the article mentions 'strong opposition in Israel, considerable criticism in Washington, and some dissent in Tehran'.

Explanation

The article clearly states that US Vice President J D Vance 'is expected to sign the MoU in Geneva on Friday'. Vienna was the venue for JCPOA negotiations, New York hosts the UN, and Doha is a common diplomatic hub, but the article specifies Geneva for this MoU.

Explanation

The article directly states that for India, defusing conflict 'is enormously welcome — from the interest of its diaspora to the imperatives of its energy security.' The other options, such as arms exports, new military alliances, or reducing Russian oil dependence, are not mentioned as primary Indian interests in this context.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow channel that links the Persian Gulf (where major oil producers like Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE are located) with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, making it a vital passage for global oil shipments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'Around 40% of India's crude oil imports... came from West Asia through the strait.' Statement 2 is correct: 'The country's import dependence stands at over 88% for oil, 60% for LPG...' The article states 60% import dependence for LPG, not over 90%. The 90% figure refers to the share of LPG imports that come from West Asia, not overall import dependence. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is directly mentioned: 'every 10% increase in oil prices typically widens India's current account deficit by 0.4% of GDP.' Hence, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'Oil prices tumbled Monday after the US and Iran announced that they had reached a peace agreement... with Brent futures down about 5% at around $83 per barrel by evening.' This reflects the market's immediate optimistic reaction to the potential easing of supply constraints.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that 'it will take months for energy flows to recover to pre-war levels' because 'the war forced major Gulf energy producers to shut in large volumes of oil and gas production.' Experts like Prashant Vasisht note that Gulf energy infrastructure 'could take months, even years in some cases, to return to normal production.' This supply-side constraint, not demand or sanctions, is highlighted as the key reason for the slow normalization.

Explanation

The article states that trade data was released by the 'Commerce and Industry' on Monday. The Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is responsible for compiling and releasing India's foreign trade statistics.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Exports were $45.2 billion, up 18%. Statement 2 is incorrect: The trade deficit widened to $28.21 billion from $22.56 billion. Statement 3 is correct: Imports from the US surged 54.43% to $5.87 billion.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the country's trade deficit swelled to $28.21 billion in May 2026. The other options are distractors: $22.56 billion was the deficit in May 2025, while $25.10 billion and $30.50 billion are not mentioned.

Explanation

The GJEPC Chairman, Kirit Bhansali, is quoted saying the decline in plain gold jewellery exports is due to 'the tightening of gold imports, which has affected the availability of gold for export manufacturing.' The other factors are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the US-India Business Council (USIBC) launched the Critical Minerals Security Task Force. This body works to deepen commercial ties between the two countries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the overlap is 26 minerals, not 20. Statement 3 is correct as the five priority areas include lithium refining and cathode active materials (CAM), recycling, feedstock corridors, synthetic graphite production, and rare earth processing and magnet manufacturing.

Explanation

The article states that India has announced a scheme to support 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of integrated REPM production capacity. This is a precise data point for factual recall.

Explanation

The article emphasizes growing concerns over China's dominance over the supply chain, which it uses as leverage in trade disputes. The cooperation aims to combine India's industrial strengths with US technology and capital to build resilient supply chains together, reducing dependence.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that PM Janman Yojana supports 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups' with housing, roads, healthcare, and education. PVTGs are a recognized sub-category of Scheduled Tribes requiring special attention.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the amount is ₹1,000 monthly, not ₹2,000. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data: '2.43 lakh urban houses have been approved and 2.16 lakh completed in Chhattisgarh.' The other options are close distractors based on the approved number or incorrect figures.

Explanation

The article states that security camps are being converted into 'Veer Shaheed Gundadhur Seva Deras' for better service delivery under the Niyad Nellanar Yojana. This is a core strategy to leverage existing security infrastructure for developmental outreach.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the Strait of Hormuz in the context of the West Asia crisis and the need to reopen it to tanker traffic following the Iran conflict. The other options are major global trade routes but were not mentioned in this news context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the summit was in Evian-les-Bains, France. Statement 2 is correct: It mentions Zelenskyy will be in attendance at the invitation of host France. Statement 3 is correct: The article says the first full day included discussions on ending Russia's war in Ukraine and addressing the West Asia crisis, with a work session focused on 'ending crises and ensuring stability in the Middle East.'

Explanation

The article specifically states that the U.S. war against Iran was a '3 1/2-month-old' conflict. This precise duration is a key factual data point from the report.

Explanation

The article clearly states that Trump had 'sharp disagreements' with Macron, Starmer, Merz, and Meloni over his 'failure to consult them before the decision to go to war in Iran.' The other options, while potential G7 topics, are not mentioned in this specific news report.

Explanation

Asymmetric warfare refers to conflicts where parties have unequal military resources, and the weaker side uses unconventional tactics (like drone attacks) to exploit the stronger side's vulnerabilities. The article explicitly mentions drones enabling asymmetric tactics.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states military power is 'increasingly shaped by industrial scale'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article does not claim complete obsolescence but a redefined centrality. Statement 3 is correct as the article cites wars in Ukraine, Lebanon, and West Asia.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that drones are 'central to modern warfare' and allow smaller actors to offset opponents' superior firepower through asymmetric tactics, thereby challenging traditional military dominance.

Explanation

The article implies that the new challenge is building, deploying, and countering drones. Therefore, future strategy must pivot towards developing defenses against swarms of cheap UAVs, which includes counter-drone systems and electronic warfare to disrupt them.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, India's Permanent Representative Harish Parvathaneni noted that 'Article 23 clearly categorises the UNSC members into two — permanent and non-permanent.' This is a foundational provision of the UN Charter regarding UNSC composition.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article quotes India saying such expansion 'would fundamentally not change the decision making power-structure of the P5.' Statement 2 is incorrect because India criticized the 'Fixed Regional Seats' proposal, stating it 'does in no way expand the permanent category.' Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly mentions 'India last sat at the UN high-table as a non-permanent member in 2021-22.'

Explanation

The article states that India argues the 15-nation Council, 'founded in 1945, is not fit for purpose in the 21st Century.' This is a key historical fact about the establishment of the UN and its principal security organ.

Explanation

The article quotes India's representative stating that the proposal 'does in no way expand the permanent category.' India argued it confuses veto power with permanency and weakens the case for groups like Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Explanation

As per the article, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) issued the blocking order under Section 69(A) of the IT Act. MeitY is the nodal ministry for administering the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article explicitly mentions the order was issued under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, not the struck-down Section 66A. Statement 2 is correct: NTA requested the action. Statement 3 is correct: the direction aimed to disable message-editing to close an avenue for fabricating evidence.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The Ministry of Electronics and IT has blocked popular messaging platform Telegram in India until June 22'. This is one day after the NEET re-exam scheduled for June 21. The date June 30 pertains to the disabling of the message-editing feature, not the platform ban.

Explanation

The article explains that the feature allows admins to edit old messages and substitute files while retaining the original timestamp. This capability has been used to fabricate evidence that a paper was 'leaked' before the exam by editing an innocuous old message after the exam is over.

Explanation

The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 are the detailed regulations framed under the parent legislation, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. This Act is the cornerstone of drug regulation in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article mentions the Drug Consultative Committee (DCC), not the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB). Statement 3 is correct as the article states that lozenges, pills or tablets for cough continue to remain exempted on Schedule K.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the maximum permissible limit of the toxic contaminant diethylene glycol (DEG) in medicines is 0.1%. The syrups linked to deaths contained levels as high as 48.6% and 34.97%, far exceeding this limit.

Explanation

The article clearly links the rule change to incidents of child deaths from contaminated syrups and the risk of children taking formulations not meant for their age. It aims to ensure safe use under medical supervision, preventing both contamination-related poisoning and misuse of addictive opioids.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is under the Ministry of Home Affairs. I4C serves as the principal nodal agency coordinating the operational response to cybercrime.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the block under Section 69A till June 22. Statement 2 is correct as the NTA issued the statement welcoming the action taken on its recommendations for the NEET re-exam. Statement 3 is correct as the article details I4C's role in coordinating takedowns before the block.

Explanation

The article clearly states that a direction has been issued to disable the message editing feature in India till June 30, 2026. The app block is till June 22, but the feature disablement is for a longer period.

Explanation

The article quotes the NTA statement saying the measures were taken 'in the interest of public order, in response to the organised use of the platform by cheating rackets to defraud candidates.' The other options are not mentioned as reasons in the provided content.

Explanation

The NCRPB is a statutory body established under the National Capital Region Planning Board Act, 1985. Its mandate is to plan and coordinate the balanced development of the NCR. The Delhi Development Act governs the DDA, not the NCRPB.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the allocation is ₹5,000 crore, not ₹50,000 crore. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the urban population projection of about 67% by 2041. Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the NCR's urban population is projected to be about 57% by 2031. The figure of 67% is the projection for 2041, making the other options incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states that the cities are being developed 'to promote balanced regional growth'. The draft plan outlines a 'long-term strategy for decentralised urban growth'. The other options are not mentioned as primary objectives in the provided content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that US Vice President J.D. Vance mentioned that 'U.S. and UN nuclear inspectors will be allowed to enter Iran,' referring to the IAEA, which is the UN's nuclear watchdog agency.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Officials say negotiations would take place in a 60-day window after the MoU is signed. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article says Iranian media reported $12 billion would be released, but US Vice President Vance said 'no U.S. taxpayer money would go to Iran under the deal.' Statement 3 is correct: Analysts warned the conflict in Lebanon presents the 'biggest threat' and could be the 'biggest ultimate spoiler.'

Explanation

The article directly quotes Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying, 'Likely on Friday (June 19, 2026)... a new round of negotiations between Iran and the United States to reach a final agreement will begin.'

Explanation

The article clearly states that analysts have warned the conflict in Lebanon 'presents the biggest threat to the diplomatic thaw' and could be 'the biggest ultimate spoiler.' While other options are points of negotiation, the Lebanon conflict is highlighted as the most critical threat to the entire deal.

Explanation

The article repeatedly discusses India's challenge in maintaining its 'strategic autonomy' while engaging with the United States. Strategic autonomy is the principle of making independent foreign policy decisions free from external pressure or alliance obligations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states South Korea emerged as a tech power 'under the same [U.S.] umbrella'. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned. Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article frames the U.S. extension of AI export controls as a development where India is asked to 'bend' without benefits, directly impacting its access to crucial dual-use technologies needed for economic and strategic advancement.

Explanation

The core argument of the article is that historically, partners subordinated autonomy 'for the benefits that came with it', but now under 'America First', partners are 'asked to bend... but not necessarily with any accompanying benefits'.

Explanation

LaQshya is an initiative launched in 2017 to improve the quality of care in labour rooms and maternity operation theatres in public health facilities. It falls under the purview of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which oversees public health programmes in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the C-section rate is 54.1% in private facilities compared to 16.9% in public ones. Statement 2 is incorrect because the WHO notes the ideal rate is between 10-15%, not above 20%. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Act has been adopted by only 19 States/UTs and implementation remains poor.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2024, 95.4% of all live births in India now take place in a medical institution." The figure 82.8% is from 2019, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that the problem is not the choice of private care, but the lack of a regulatory mechanism to audit the medical necessity of C-sections, potentially leading to their monetisation. The other options are not the primary concerns highlighted.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that through the 'Nine-Dash Line', China asserts historical rights over a major part of the South China Sea. This claim overlaps with the maritime zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article mentions the relationship evolved since the 2020 CSP. Statement 2 is correct: The ministers agreed to push towards finalising the Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article states the IPMSC was initially implemented in the Indian Ocean Region, not the Pacific Ocean Region.

Explanation

The article specifically states: '...through which an estimated one-third of global trade passes.' This is a key data point highlighting the strategic and economic importance of the region.

Explanation

The article explains that China's 'String of Pearls' places Chinese deployment along sea lanes connecting Australia's western approaches to global markets. India, as the dominant Indian Ocean power, is a natural partner for Australia to monitor and counter that presence, making option B correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) is the body of experts that suggests the government about inclusion of various vaccines into national programmes. It had recommended HPV vaccination in 2017 and 2022.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: Washington confirmed plans to lift its naval blockade and reopen the Strait. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clarifies the recent deal is separate, and the nuclear deal (JCPOA) has been 'deferred'. Statement 3 is correct as the article notes the lifting of the blockade was 'a core Iranian pre-condition for negotiations'.

Explanation

The article states: 'the Strait of Hormuz a chokepoint that handled roughly a fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the war'. 'A fifth' translates to 20%.

Explanation

The article highlights that the two sides established a joint working group on counter-terrorism and signed pacts on defence, indicating enhanced security cooperation. While other options are speculative, the concrete outcomes mentioned are in defence and counter-terrorism, expanding India's strategic footprint in Central Europe.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Directorate General of Shipping (under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways) is responsible for verifying the credentials of ships, their owners, and recruitment agencies for Indian seafarers.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article (MLC adopted 2006, India ratified 2015). Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states 'India has ratified it' for SOLAS 1974. Statement 3 is correct as UNCLOS states a 'genuine link' must exist but has no agreed definition.

Explanation

The article provides the precise data point: 'Indians make up about 15% of the world’s seafarer workforce — the second biggest share by nationality.'

Explanation

The article states that 'AIS is critical for safe maritime navigation. Switching it off makes a vessel untrackable and invisible to other ships, significantly increasing collision risk.' Its primary function is collision avoidance, not cargo tracking or communication.

Explanation

The National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) is the apex statutory planning body for the NCR, established under the NCR Planning Board Act, 1985. The article mentions the decision was made at a meeting of this board.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the ₹5,000 crore investment is over five years, not ten years. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions selection via a challenge and location along transport nodes including RRTS.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the four cities will be developed 'at a total cost of Rs 5,000 crore'. The other figures are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

Locating cities along major transit corridors like RRTS is a classic strategy for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). This approach encourages public transport use, reduces reliance on private vehicles, and helps in creating compact, walkable urban forms, ultimately aiding in pollution control—a key theme in the article which also mentions dividing NCR into zones for pollution measures.

Explanation

The article explicitly quotes the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping stating that 'The International Maritime Organization has a crucial role, working alongside industry and states in the region...'. The IMO is the UN body responsible for the safety and security of shipping.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'US President Donald Trump said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran has already been “signed” electronically'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the strait is toll-free for 60 days, not indefinitely. Statement 3 is correct as per trade data firm Kpler: 'The ship traffic through the strait is expected to increase to 50 per cent of the pre-war levels in a month'.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the Secretary General, Thomas A. Kazakos: 'He said around 500 ships were waiting to exit the area through the strait.' The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states that 'shippers that are more apprehensive will wait and watch' and quotes a shipping head saying transit 'will not resume until shipowners are sure of the durability of the US-Iran peace deal'. This 'trust deficit' and fear of 'multiple false starts' is highlighted as a key factor slowing normalization, not the other logistical issues listed.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the vessel was 'Palau-flagged'. The flag state is distinct from the nationality of the crew (Indian) or the location of the operator (UAE).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the UAE-based operator 'maintains no warnings were given', contradicting US claims. Statement 3 is correct as it captures the key legal requirement mentioned in the article for using force against a neutral civilian vessel.

Explanation

The article states 'India, which supplies about a fifth of the world’s maritime workforce'. One-fifth is equivalent to 20%.

Explanation

The article's analysis section explicitly discusses India's 'difficult dilemma' of having 'invested heavily in a strategic partnership with the United States' while also needing to 'defend principles central to India’s maritime interests' and seek accountability for its citizens' deaths.

Explanation

The article explicitly quotes the researcher saying agencies like the India Meteorological Department (IMD) or the Central Pollution Control Bureau (CPCB) need to extensively monitor ground-level ozone. IMD is directly mentioned as one of these key agencies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the deaths were for the year 2024, not 2023. Statement 3 is a classic trap; it describes stratospheric ozone, not harmful ground-level ozone, which is a pollutant formed by chemical reactions. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'The increased levels of ozone caused by heatwaves persists for about three to four days on an average after the end of the heatwave.' This is a precise data point from the study's analysis of 21 years of data.

Explanation

The article explains that surface-level ozone is a by-product of chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in sunlight, and that 'Heat has the effect of accelerating these reactions.' It is not directly emitted.

Explanation

The 'Begin Doctrine' is a cornerstone of Israeli security policy, named after Prime Minister Menachem Begin. It authorizes pre-emptive action against existential threats, precisely the rationale cited by Netanyahu in the article regarding Iran's nuclear program.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Netanyahu explicitly said, 'We saved the State of Israel from annihilation.' Statement 2 is incorrect; he said troops would remain 'for as long as necessary.' Statement 3 is correct, as he made this comparison when pressed on why the Iranian regime remained in power.

Explanation

The article's metadata and opening line clearly state the publication date and context as 'June 16, 2026'. The press conference was his first address since the US-Iran agreement announcement in the 'early hours of Monday', which aligns with this date.

Explanation

Netanyahu explicitly stated that the campaign had created a 'credible military threat' to support any future diplomatic agreement. While he targets Iran's 'terror arms', the article clarifies that regime change was 'never the goal', eliminating option A. Options C and D are not mentioned in the article.