16 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Election Commission of India (ECI), established under Article 324 of the Constitution, is the permanent body responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of all elections, including the revision of electoral rolls as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because Phase 2 resulted in a net trim (decrease) of 10.2%, not an increase. Statement 3 is correct as the article cites centralization as a major flaw in the SIR process.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Phase 2 of the SIR resulted in "a staggering net trim of 10.2% in the rolls." This is a critical data point highlighting the scale of voter deletion and a potential fact for Prelims.

Explanation

The article identifies as the "most fundamental" flaw the design that "places the onus on electors rather than on ECI officials to establish eligibility on the rolls." This shifts the burden of proof and can lead to disenfranchisement, especially among marginalized groups.

Explanation

The Economic Survey is an annual document prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance. It is presented to Parliament ahead of the Union Budget.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article describing India's manufacturing firm structure. Statement 2 is correct as highlighted by the research on zombie firms. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states that bank-financed firms are more likely to become zombies and remain distressed longer, while equity-financed firms are less prone.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that real GDP growth remained robust, reaching 6.5% in FY2024-25. This is a key data point for prelims factual recall.

Explanation

The article concludes that financial and regulatory structures often sustain inefficient firms (zombies) rather than facilitating their exit. This weakens the process of creative destruction and reallocation of resources to productive firms, undermining overall productivity growth.

Explanation

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

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the total pledged investment is $5 billion, not $10 billion. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the UAE is India's largest LPG source, catering to nearly 40% of the requirement.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that ISPRL holds 5.33 MMT (million metric tons) of crude across three underground facilities. Option C (30 mn barrels) is the new UAE storage volume, not India's total SPR capacity. Option D is the previous UAE storage volume in Mangaluru.

Explanation

As stated in the article, strategic crude oil reserves are maintained 'to ensure energy security against supply disruptions.' The agreement with the UAE enhances this buffer, which is a key objective of India's energy security policy.

Explanation

The article states the Ice Memory project was launched by a consortium of European research institutes from France (CNRS, IRD), Italy (CNR), and Switzerland (Paul Scherrer Institute). No Indian institution is mentioned as part of the founding consortium.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the Litani River is the longest and largest river in Lebanon. Statement 2 is correct: The Great Chagos Bank is described as the world's largest atoll structure. Statement 3 is incorrect: Kharg Island is in the Persian Gulf, not the Strait of Hormuz.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Chenab bridge has a deck height of 359 meters from the riverbed, making it 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states Ayni airbase gave India 'a strategic heft in central Asia' and 'a military foothold in central Asia and leverage over Pakistan,' projecting influence in a region dominated by Russia and China. While it was used for evacuation (option C is partially true but not primary), its core significance was strategic positioning.

Explanation

The case (Ramesh Prabhoo vs Prabhakar Kunte) involved the interpretation of Section 123(3) and 123(3A) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which defines 'corrupt practices' in elections, including appeals on grounds of religion.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the case pertained to the 1987 Vile Parle by-election. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court explicitly stated that 'Hindutva' per se should not be equated with religious bigotry. Statement 3 is correct as the Court upheld Sections 123(3) and (3A) of the RPA as reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2).

Explanation

The Supreme Court's judgment in the case of Ramesh Yeshwant Prabhoo vs Prabhakar Kunte was delivered in 1995. The year 1987 is when the disputed election was held, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The Court ruled that election law cannot be defeated through indirect phrasing. What matters is not just the wording but how the speech would be understood by the audience, establishing a test based on effect and perception.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article's 'Do You Know' section, ISPRL is a specialised Indian public sector company under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. It manages strategic crude oil reserves to ensure energy security.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as the article states CEPA is India's first major FTA in over a decade (since Japan in 2011). Statement 3 is incorrect; the UAE was the fourth largest source (nearly 11%), while it is India's largest source of LPG (nearly 40%).

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "Public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) hiked petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre on Friday." This is the first price increase in over four years.

Explanation

The article quotes Dr. Gagandeep Kang stating that industrial livestock farming and deforestation-driven habitat fragmentation are key drivers. Deforestation pushes wildlife like bats and rodents into human habitats, while industrial farming amplifies pathogens.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Coal India Ltd (CIL) is also implementing four coal gasification projects in partnership with other Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs).' The other options, while being energy sector PSUs, are not mentioned in the context of this specific scheme.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the scheme targets gasification of approximately 75 million tonnes (MT), while the national target is 100 MT by 2030. Statement 3 is incorrect; the incentive is a maximum of 20%, not 25%, of the plant and machinery cost.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'According to the National Coal Inventory of 2025, the total estimated coal reserve (resource) of India is 400.715 billion tonnes as of 01.04.2025.' Option A (389 bt) is the global reserve estimate, option C (212 bt) is the proven reserve figure, and option D is the gasification target under the scheme.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the scheme advances the national target 'reducing dependence on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), urea (~20% imported), ammonia (~100% imported), and methanol (~80–90% imported).' This is the core strategic objective of using domestic coal to produce these imported commodities indigenously.

Explanation

State Public Service Commissions, including the BPSC, are established under Article 315 of the Constitution, which falls within Part XIV titled 'Services under the Union and the States'. This part deals with the recruitment and conditions of service of persons serving the Union or a State.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states boards have been asked not to take into account any regional accents. Statement 2 is correct: The BPSC chairman explained the 'two-level coding, or recoding' system. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article clearly states board members are NOT told how much each candidate scored in the written tests ahead of the interview.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the reforms were tried during interviews held in April of 5,504 candidates for about 2,100 posts following the BPSC's 70th CCE. The other options provide close but incorrect numbers.

Explanation

As per the BPSC chairman, the first attempt is to help boards get over any bias from personal details. The core objective is equity, not time reduction, standardization, or changing mark weightage. The reform is explicitly aimed at creating a level playing field.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. It sets the eligibility, end-use, and limit guidelines under the automatic and approval routes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per RBI data: ECBs in March 2026 were $5.43 billion, down 51% from $11.04 billion in March 2025. Statement 2 is incorrect; total foreign borrowing for FY26 was $43 billion, which is lower than the $61 billion in FY25 (a 30% decline). Statement 3 is correct; the RBI enhanced the borrowing limit under the automatic route from $750 million to $1 billion in February 2026.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that in February 2026, Indian companies raised money from abroad through rupee-denominated bonds (RDBs) amounting to Rs 318 crore (which was equivalent to $35 million). This was the only instance in the last two years.

Explanation

The article states that the rupee's rapid weakening and rising overseas interest rates made taking on domestic debt more attractive, thereby reducing the appeal of ECBs. High hedging costs due to currency volatility further increase the all-in borrowing cost for foreign loans.

Explanation

The order dated May 14, 2026 was issued by the Backward Classes Welfare Department secretary to all district magistrates, as stated in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the order mandates re-verification of all 1.69 crore certificates issued since 2011. Statement 2 is incorrect because the order covers all certificates since 2011, not only those from Duare Sarkar camps (47.80 lakh is a subset). Statement 3 is correct as explicitly mentioned in the order.

Explanation

The article states the breakdown: SC: 1.00 crore, ST: 21 lakh, OBC: 48 lakh. The other options are distractors: 48 lakh is OBC, 32.51 lakh is SC certificates via Duare Sarkar, and 1.00 crore is total SC.

Explanation

The order notes that issuance of caste certificates is a statutory responsibility of the sub-divisional officers (SDOs) and district welfare officer (DWO), Kolkata. District Magistrates are directed to oversee re-verification, but SDOs/DWO are the issuing authorities.

Explanation

The court explicitly held that the right to choose a partner is inherent under the right to life and personal liberty, which is guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution. The judgment repeatedly emphasizes the supremacy of this fundamental right.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court ruled that a father cannot interfere even if there is no valid 'Nikah'. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; the court explicitly said social approval is NOT the basis for recognizing such decisions.

Explanation

The article states: 'Both major petitioners solemnised their marriage in April 2025.' The other options are distractors: January-May 2025 was when the woman was in Dubai, and May 2026 is the publication date of the news.

Explanation

The core of the judgment is the protection of individual autonomy (right to choose) and constitutional morality (rights under Article 21) from societal and parental disapproval. While it mentions religion, the primary shield is constitutional liberty, not ritual validity. It counters, not upholds, parental authority over adult choices.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved mifepristone for use in abortion in 2000. The FDA is the primary US agency responsible for the safety and efficacy of human drugs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court's order is a temporary stay preserving access only while the lawsuit plays out; it is not a permanent guarantee. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; Justices Thomas and Alito dissented from the decision.

Explanation

The article states: 'Medication abortions accounted for nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the US in 2023, the last year for which statistics are available.' This is a key data point highlighting the significance of the drug access issue.

Explanation

The article mentions Justice Thomas argued that 'those who mail the pills are in violation of the Comstock Act, a 19th-century law...' This invocation of a historical, largely unenforced law is a central part of his dissent, as per the provided content.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions an 'IMF-backed reform programme' and details from an 'IMF staff report'. The World Bank, ADB, and WTO are other international financial/trade bodies not mentioned in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: defence expenditure is PKR 2.665 trillion. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states revenues are 'more than PKR 2 trillion higher', indicating an increase, not a decrease. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions 'phasing out existing incentives... by 2035'. Hence, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article's headline and content specify that Pakistan is expected to raise its defence budget by 'about PKR 100 billion'. The other options are plausible distractors but not the figure mentioned.

Explanation

The article states Pakistan 'had also committed to... digitising all federal and provincial government payments by June2027'. The other options are opposite to the commitments: it is phasing out SEZ incentives, defence spending is part of a conditional programme, and social spending is being increased by 0.2% of GDP.

Explanation

The Thucydides Trap is a theory in International Relations concerning the likelihood of war when a rising power challenges an established one. The article mentions it while discussing US-China strategic competition.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Xi set the tone with 'Constructive Strategic Stability'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states Taiwan is 'the most important issue'. Statement 3 is correct as Xi met 17 US CEOs.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Xi also met with the 17 American CEOs who travelled as part of the US delegation.' The other numbers are plausible distractors.

Explanation

The article states that business deals brought 'opportunities to strike a deal and create a transactional deliverable for Washington to declare a victory back home.' This was a tool of economic diplomacy, not an aim for unconditional tech transfer or relocation.

Explanation

The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 is the key US legislation that established the framework for continuing unofficial commercial, cultural, and security relations with Taiwan after the US switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The US officially adheres to the 'One-China' policy, recognizing Beijing as the sole Chinese government. Statement 2 is correct as per the Taiwan Relations Act. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article about the 2025 arms sale package.

Explanation

The article specifically states that the Trump administration announced an '$11bn package of weapons to be sold to Taiwan' in 2025. Other options are plausible distractors given the scale of such deals.

Explanation

Strategic ambiguity aims to prevent China from attacking Taiwan by leaving unclear the US response, while also not giving Taiwan a guarantee that might encourage provocative moves towards independence. This balancing act is central to maintaining regional stability.

Explanation

The article states that the Standing Site Selection Committee was formed by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in January 2025. CEA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power responsible for power sector planning.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the panel used a detailed 17-point checklist, not a 10-point checklist. Statement 3 is incorrect; the current exclusion zone norm is a 1 km radius, not 500 metres. The proposal is to reduce it to 500m for smaller reactors.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The move comes as India seeks to expand its civil nuclear power capacity from the current 8.8 gigawatt-electric (GWe) to 100 GWe by 2047.' The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article lists multiple reasons, including 'the availability of existing land, water and infrastructure at these sites.' This is a key strategic advantage for repurposing. While cost reduction may be a benefit, it is not the primary reason stated. The option about immediate replacement is not mentioned, and bypassing processes is incorrect.

Explanation

The article states that the acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director, under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), described OPT as a 'magnet for fraud'. DHS is the primary agency responsible for immigration enforcement and border security in the United States.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as OPT allows F-1 visa students to work post-graduation. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states STEM graduates get an additional 24-month extension, not 12 months. Statement 3 is correct as per the attorney's explanation in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Department of Homeland Security had identified 'over 10,000 potential fraud cases involving international students and employers' in the OPT system. This is a key data point highlighting the scale of the alleged fraud.

Explanation

The article's core news is the DHS crackdown due to allegations of systemic fraud. Officials described OPT as a 'magnet for fraud' and cited cases of shell companies, fake jobs, and 'pay-to-stay' arrangements. The other options are potential outcomes or suggestions, not the primary reason for the crackdown.

Explanation

The judgment clarifies that the ASI will continue to exercise overall control and management of the protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court ruled the site's character was Bhojshala, a temple of goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). Statement 2 is incorrect because the court explicitly stated it was NOT deciding the title of the property, only the character based on historical evidence. Statement 3 is correct as the judgment set aside the portions of the April 7, 2003 ASI order that restricted Hindu worship and permitted Muslim namaz.

Explanation

The article states: 'In 2024, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered an ASI survey of the complex...' The year 2003 is when the previous ASI order was passed, and 2019 is when the Ayodhya verdict was delivered.

Explanation

The court held that since the disputed area was already notified as an ancient monument under the 1904 Act, and was a protected monument since 1904, the Ruler of Dhar State could not have validly issued the Ailan in 1935. This legal status invalidated the document as evidence for establishing the site as a mosque.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions scientists from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, providing data on DSR water savings and recommending weed management practices. PAU is the state's premier agricultural research institution.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per PAU scientists cited in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the primary challenge is aggressive weed growth, not fungal diseases. Statement 3 is correct as the article states pendimethalin was among pesticides proposed for phase-out/ban.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "Punjab’s 2026-27 budget proposed a Rs 40-crore allocation" for DSR incentives. The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article's central theme is the trade-off where DSR saves water but leads to heavy herbicide use, risking long-term soil degradation and ecological harm. This captures the policy's core environmental dilemma.

Explanation

The judgment explicitly stated that the right to travel abroad has been recognized as an integral facet of personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. This is a well-established judicial interpretation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court used the term 'civil death'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court said the mere pendency of a case, particularly from matrimonial discord, cannot 'ipso facto' (by that fact alone) justify an absolute travel embargo. Statement 3 is correct as the article quotes the court saying criminal law should not be used for 'economic strangulation'.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the estranged wife lodged a complaint under Section 498-A (and other provisions) of the IPC at the Udupi Mahila Police Station in 2022, following which the police issued the LOC.

Explanation

The court held that 'any restriction imposed by the State must satisfy the test of proportionality.' This principle requires that a state's action must be proportionate to its aim, ensuring that individual rights are not excessively curtailed, especially concerning the right to livelihood under Article 21.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'A reserve unit of the Canadian Armed forces called the Rangers...' Therefore, the Rangers are a part of the Canadian Armed Forces, and this model is being discussed for adoption by Greenland.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as PM Carney describes strengthening ties with Nordics as part of an effort between 'middle powers'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Rangers are a 'reserve unit' maintaining a presence in 'inaccessible Arctic communities', not a regular force in southern cities. Statement 3 is correct as the article states 'Russia has far more military bases than any other nation there'.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'A plan for how Greenland might adapt the Canadian Rangers is expected by the end of this year,' where 'this year' refers to the publication year of 2026. Therefore, the expected deadline is the end of 2026.

Explanation

The article directly links the urgency of the talks to 'Mr. Trump’s threats'. It states that conversations between Greenland, Denmark, and Canada 'grew more urgent with Mr. Trump’s threats' and that 'The rhetoric coming out of the White House has sped up efforts...'

Explanation

As per the article, Vinayak Prasad is the unit head of the Tobacco Free Initiative for WHO. Dr. Tedros is the WHO Director-General. Dr. Etienne Krug is the Director of the Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention. Dr. Sonu Goel is a professor at PGIMER Chandigarh.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article defines nicotine pouches as such. Statement 2 is correct as the article states retail sales increased by more than 50% in 2024. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article quotes an expert suggesting they *should* be regulated under PECA, not that they currently are.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The global market of nicotine pouch products was worth nearly $7 billion in 2025." $23 billion refers to the number of units sold in 2024, not the market value.

Explanation

The core concern of the WHO report, as detailed in the article, is the use of flavours, lifestyle branding, and packaging that mimics candy to appeal to younger audiences, thereby normalising use and creating addiction. The other options are not the central focus of the report as described.

Explanation

The Institutes of Eminence (IoE) scheme is an initiative of the Government of India to empower higher educational institutions. It is administered by the Ministry of Education (formerly Ministry of Human Resource Development).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states IISc secured 96th place in Computer Science. Statement 2 is incorrect; the IITs were ranked among the top 250, not necessarily the top 100. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly mentions 'inadequate funding for research' as a problem.

Explanation

The article lists IIT Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, and Madras, which are four IITs. IISc is a separate institution (Indian Institute of Science). Therefore, four IITs were mentioned in the top 250.

Explanation

The core argument of the article is the danger of the 'cobra effect', where poorly planned reforms focusing on metrics like number of research papers or PhDs could weaken the system by neglecting originality and impact, which are harder to measure.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the 'Thucydides Trap', a concept where conflict arises when a rising power threatens to displace an established dominant power. The other options are distinct theories not referenced in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article states the summit concluded without any apparent breakthroughs, especially on Taiwan. Statement 2 is correct; President Xi proposed this new label for ties. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article mentions the U.S. stance on Taiwan, including substantial arms sales, remains unchanged.

Explanation

The article specifically states that Beijing agreed to buy 200 Boeing aircraft. This is a concrete data point from the trade agreements discussed.

Explanation

The article concludes that reinforcing India's strategic autonomy and independence, rather than diluting it, offers the best path forward. This is the core implication for India's foreign policy, not forming an alliance or direct mediation.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority established under Article 324. It is responsible for administering all elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President, including the maintenance of electoral rolls.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the data in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states Punjab's turnout fell from 76.04% to 72.15%. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article argues the rising trend is broader and longer-term, and the SIR's effect is additive rather than foundational.

Explanation

The article specifically states that West Bengal's voter turnout moved upward from 84.72% in 2011 to 92.47% in 2026. 84.72% is the 2011 figure, 90.28% is Manipur's 2022 turnout, and 78.27% is Kerala's increased turnout.

Explanation

The article's central argument is that the rise in voter turnout is a widespread, long-term trend across diverse states, reflecting stronger political engagement and mobilization. It explicitly states this is not a sudden phenomenon and that administrative exercises like SIR worked on top of an existing trend.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the analysis of data was based on figures shared by the Commerce and Industry Ministry. This ministry is responsible for formulating India's trade policy and compiling trade statistics.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Strait of Hormuz accounted for about a fifth (not half) of global oil flows. Statement 3 is correct, as directly mentioned in the article's data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Explanation

The article states that exports to the UAE slipped by 36% to $2.18 billion in April 2026. Option A ($1.14bn) is Singapore's export value a year ago. Option C ($3.20bn) is Singapore's export value in April 2026. Option D ($3.43bn) is the UAE's export value a year ago.

Explanation

The article clearly links the conflict to a jump in global energy prices and supply disruption, which widened India's import bill. It also states the conflict directly impacted the rupee, which fell 5.2% against the US dollar. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the import restriction was announced via a DGFT notification. The DGFT, under the Ministry of Commerce, is responsible for implementing India's Foreign Trade Policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Duty on gold and silver was raised to 15% (not 15.4%; 15.4% is for platinum). Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is correct: a 100 kg limit was placed on gold imports under an export scheme. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: "In 2025-26, silver imports increased by 150% to $12.05 billion." $5.6 billion is the gold import value for April, $71.98 billion is the annual gold import value, and $411 million is the silver import value for April.

Explanation

The article repeatedly cites the strain on the current account, forex outflow, and the need to prioritize forex for essential imports like crude oil as the key reasons. While revenue increase is a by-product, the primary objective is external sector management amidst the West Asia crisis and high global prices.

Explanation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous organization under the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education. It was established to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The breach was traced to the first stage where the question paper originates (paper setting), not the printing press. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect: The 2024 committee's protocol mandates that the room should NOT have internet facilities.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, 'Candidates can opt for NEET-UG question papers in one of 13 languages.' This is a key factual detail about the exam's accessibility features.

Explanation

The article details the 2024 committee's protocol, which includes drawing experts to set papers in an 'acoustically insulated' room that 'does not have internet facilities.' The leak suggests a failure in enforcing these physical and digital isolation measures.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Madhya Pradesh High Court made the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has administered the monument since 1952, in-charge of preservation and regulation of access. The ASI is the primary body for archaeological conservation in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states Hindus performed puja on Tuesdays, while Muslims offered namaz on Fridays. Statement 3 is correct as the court directed the state government to consider allotting alternative land. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has administered the monument since 1952. This is a specific factual detail crucial for prelims-style questions.

Explanation

The core implication of the verdict, as stated in the article, is that the court ruled the site's character is a Hindu temple (Bhojshala), Muslims would no longer be permitted to offer namaz there, and it directed the ASI to manage it. This effectively designates it for exclusive Hindu worship.