17 April 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

Article 81 deals with the composition of the Lok Sabha, including the allocation of seats to states. Article 82 provides for the readjustment of seats after each Census. These articles are central to the debate on delimitation and seat allocation mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the Bill was introduced with 251 supporting and 185 against. Statement 2 is correct: the Bills propose to remove the freeze anchored to the 1971 Census. Statement 3 is incorrect: the Delimitation Bill requires the Commission to readjust seats based on the 'latest published Census', not specifically the 2001 Census.

Explanation

The article states that the arrangement of freezing seat allocation to the 1971 Census was 'subsequently extended until the first Census after 2026'. This is a key factual detail regarding the current constitutional provision.

Explanation

The core federal concern is that removing the 1971 Census freeze and shifting to a purely population-based allocation model would reduce the relative representation of states (like southern states) that have controlled their population growth, altering the federal balance.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the notification was issued by the Union Law Ministry. This ministry is responsible for the administration of justice and the notification of Acts passed by Parliament.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the notification was issued by the Union Law Ministry, not the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Women's Reservation Act 2023 provides a 33% quota for women in legislatures. The other options are common distractors based on other reservation percentages in Indian polity.

Explanation

A Gazette notification is the official mechanism through which an Act passed by Parliament is promulgated and becomes enforceable law. The news states the Act 'came into force' via this notification, making option B correct.

Explanation

Article 324 of the Constitution vestes the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the Election Commission of India. The Supreme Court's role in this news is intervention using Article 142, not primary control.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the SC invoked Article 142. Statement 2 is correct as the order directed EC to publish supplementary lists. Statement 3 is incorrect because the appellate tribunals comprised retired High Court judges, not sitting judges.

Explanation

The article states that 60 lakh electors were flagged by the EC's centralised software. 27.10 lakh were subsequently deleted, and over 34 lakh appeals were filed.

Explanation

The SC used Article 142 to order supplementary lists beyond the statutory freeze under the RP Act, thereby providing a pathway for deleted voters cleared by appellate tribunals to vote.

Explanation

The World Economic Outlook (WEO) is a flagship report published biannually by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It provides detailed analysis and projections of global economic developments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states India is ranked 6th in 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the rupee depreciated (lost value), not appreciated, against the dollar. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly mentions the projection of overtaking Germany by 2031.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that according to the latest WEO, India's GDP in 2026 will be around $4.15 trillion. $3.92 trillion was the 2025 figure, $4.27 trillion is the UK's 2026 GDP, and $4.38 trillion is Japan's 2026 GDP.

Explanation

The article explains that the rupee's depreciation against the dollar, coupled with the dollar's own weakness against the pound and yen, meant that when the IMF converted national GDPs into dollars for comparison, the gap between India and countries like the UK expanded further, contributing to the lower ranking.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the arguments are before a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India. This is a constitutional court with the authority to interpret fundamental rights.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'The Centre says courts acquire jurisdiction to examine a religious practice only where it has been translated into law.' Statement 2 is incorrect because the Centre is attacking the doctrine of constitutional morality. Statement 3 is correct as the Board argued the framers placed 'morality' without qualification, implying societal standards.

Explanation

The article states: 'The phrase constitutional morality did not originate with recent judges: Ambedkar used it in the Constituent Assembly in 1948.' This is a precise factual detail from the source material.

Explanation

The article explains the Centre's framework: 'A practice that the community endorses satisfies the standard automatically.' This means societal morality becomes the benchmark, potentially insulating majoritarian religious practices from judicial review based on constitutional principles like equality and dignity.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Supreme Court, in the case of Rachana Gangu v. Union of India (2026), has directed the Union government to frame the no-fault compensation policy. The Supreme Court is the highest constitutional court in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the directive is for COVID-19 vaccination. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article specifies a 'no-fault' policy, which means proof of negligence is NOT required. Statement 3 is correct as the article gives the exact figure of 219.86 crore doses.

Explanation

The article provides the precise data point: "over 219.86 crore doses administered by late 2022." The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article repeatedly emphasizes that when the state promotes vaccination as a civic duty, it creates a 'social contract' and must accept responsibility for rare adverse outcomes. This underscores state accountability, a fundamental constitutional principle stemming from the relationship between the state and its citizens.

Explanation

Article 39A, which directs the state to provide free legal aid and ensure justice on the basis of equal opportunity, is enshrined in Part IV of the Constitution, containing the Directive Principles of State Policy. This is a core static GK concept linked to judicial reforms.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article states high-profile cases move with momentum while the average citizen is trapped in delays. Statement 2 is correct, directly reflecting the article's phrase. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article explicitly says reform is NOT just a theoretical exercise but a human rights crisis.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'We have reached a point where the phrase "justice delayed is justice denied" is no longer a warning but a standard operating procedure.' This is a key conceptual takeaway highlighting the normalization of delays.

Explanation

The article's core argument for a 'total reimagining' is pivoted on this shift. It states: 'It’s time for the focus to shift away from the judge holding the gavel and towards the people standing in the dock.' This implies reform must be citizen-centric, not just institution-centric.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that NRLM was launched under the Ministry of Rural Development in 2011. This ministry is responsible for policies and programs aimed at rural poverty alleviation and infrastructure development.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states women banking correspondents are present in over 60% (not 80%) of local governments. Statement 3 is correct as the article highlights African governments exploring the Indian SHG-based framework. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifically states that 'Over 20 million women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) earn over ₹1,00,000 in income'. The figure of 50 million refers to women who have accessed bank credit, not specifically those earning over ₹1 lakh.

Explanation

The article frames the adoption of the SHG model as 'development diplomacy', showcasing India's successful home-grown poverty alleviation framework. This enhances India's soft power and positions it as a partner sharing proven models (South-South cooperation), rather than just a recipient of traditional aid.

Explanation

The article mentions 'the Indian IT sector’s main cybersecurity body'. CERT-In, under MeitY, is the national nodal agency for cybersecurity threats and incident response in India's IT domain.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states Mythos is powerful at finding 'zero-day' exploits. Statement 2 is incorrect: The model is NOT released publicly due to risks; it is shared selectively. Statement 3 is correct: The initiative is called Project Glasswing.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'On April 7, AI firm Anthropic said its new model, Mythos...'. The publication date is April 17, 2026, but the announcement was made earlier on April 7, 2026.

Explanation

The core concern is the dual-use risk. The article highlights that the model is 'so powerful at finding cybersecurity vulnerabilities' that it will not be released, indicating the primary reason is the potential for misuse by AI-enabled attackers to exploit zero-days.

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 which states IMD forecast is 92% of LPA. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states it is the lowest forecast in 20 years, not the highest. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions El Niño is expected to peak in July and its impact over India is felt after a lag, making Aug-Sep drier.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that IMD's first forecast said the country as a whole was likely to get only 92% of normal rainfall. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that India's resilience has improved due to factors like better water management practices, accurate forecasting, and high reservoir storage from previous good monsoons, which is why the forecast is 'no cause for alarm'. It does not mention a reduction in rainfed area, pre-announced relief funds, or contradictory private forecasts.

Explanation

The article states that the Ministry of External Affairs manages emigration clearances and diplomatic coordination related to overseas migration. This is a key function under the Emigration Act, 1983.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the GCC share was 37.9%, not nearly 50%. Statement 3 is correct as Kerala is highlighted for its investment in migration data and institutions.

Explanation

The article provides the specific figure: 'The six GCC countries alone were estimated to host nearly 99.35 lakh Indians in December 2025.' The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article's central argument is that India's governance has a 'blind spot' and becomes 'legible only once disruption is underway,' lacking a proactive 'whole-of-journey' approach that covers pre-departure, destination support, and return.

Explanation

Section 3(d) of the Indian Patents Act, 1970 is a crucial provision that prevents the grant of patents for mere discovery of a new form of a known substance unless it significantly enhances therapeutic efficacy. This is specifically designed to curb 'evergreening' by pharmaceutical companies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states Keytruda harnesses the body's immune system. Statement 2 is incorrect because biosimilars are derived from living cells, not simple chemical copies, and the article explicitly states they take 4-8 times longer to develop than conventional generics. Statement 3 is correct, directly quoting the article's analysis of the 'patent thicket' strategy.

Explanation

The article specifically states: "A 100 mg vial costs Rs 1.5 lakh". This is a precise data point central to the argument about drug affordability and the resulting shadow economy.

Explanation

The article concludes by stating, "the country with the world’s third-largest cancer burden cannot treat drug discovery as a distant goal." It links the innovation push directly to the goal of creating homegrown, affordable therapies (like CAR-T) to improve access for India's own population, not primarily for trade or investment reasons.

Explanation

The article states that Trump praised Field Marshal Munir as 'fantastic' and that Munir is visiting Tehran as part of the US-Iran negotiations, indicating his central role. The civilian leaders, Sharif and Dar, were on a separate trip to other countries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's mention of the 40-minute call. Statement 2 is correct as Trump hinted the talks would be in Pakistan and Munir visited Tehran. Statement 3 is correct as Sharif and Dar's trip to those three countries is mentioned, likely for briefing purposes.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the conversation was 40 minutes long. The other options are plausible distractors but are not the fact mentioned.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that Trump's balancing act between Modi and Munir, and Pakistan's intermediary role, could lead to a 're-hyphenation' of India-Pakistan relations, undermining India's independent global weight. The other options are not the central concern discussed.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the sanctuary is located at the tri-junction of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. This is a factual detail crucial for Prelims.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court said the rampant mining is a result of the abject failure of the States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, not solely MP. Statement 3 is correct as the Court directed installation of CCTV cameras and GPS tracking.

Explanation

The article clearly states 'matter posted for May 11'. This is a precise data point for Prelims recall.

Explanation

The warning of paramilitary deployment is a drastic step mentioned only if the State fails to initiate prosecution. This acts as a final deterrent, highlighting state failure and the judiciary's ultimate enforcement power when constitutional and statutory duties are neglected.

Explanation

The article states that the European Commission set out how Google must comply with the DMA. The European Commission is the EU's executive arm, responsible for proposing legislation and ensuring EU law is applied.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which mentions 'amicable proceedings launched in January'. Statement 2 correctly describes the DMA's objective. Statement 3 is incorrect; the fine is up to 10% of global turnover, not 20%, as stated in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Any DMA violations can lead to fines of up to 10% of a company’s total global turnover.' The other percentages are plausible-sounding distractors.

Explanation

The core of the news is the EU spelling out 'how Google must make a wide range of data accessible to rival search engines' to comply with the DMA. The DMA's stated purpose, as mentioned, is to 'open up to competition' and 'limit abuses linked to market dominance'.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the nodal ministry responsible for India's foreign policy and diplomatic engagements, including statements and representation at international forums like the United Nations General Assembly. India's Permanent Mission to the UN operates under the purview of the MEA.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. India urged for the restoration of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, not the Strait of Malacca. Statement 2 is correct as the article explicitly states the concern was for India's energy and economic security. Statement 3 is incorrect; the statement was delivered at the UN General Assembly, not the UN Security Council.

Explanation

According to the article, India's Permanent Representative Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni made the statement in the UN General Assembly on Thursday, April 16, 2026. April 17, 2026, is the publication date of the news article.

Explanation

The article clearly states, "An aspect of particular concern for India for its energy and economic security relates to commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz." Therefore, the core concern is securing the sea lane for energy imports, which is vital for India's economy. The other options are not mentioned as primary objectives.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is a Geneva-based global nonprofit. It maintains the Parline tracker on national parliaments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The 17th Lok Sabha (2019-24) had 14.36% women MPs, while the 18th has 13.6%. Statement 2 is correct: TMC has 46% women in Rajya Sabha (6/13) vs 39.3% in Lok Sabha. Statement 3 is correct: The article states that until the 2023 Chhattisgarh election, no state had crossed the 15% mark.

Explanation

The article clearly states that out of some 190 countries, India ranks 147 in terms of women's representation in Parliament according to April 2026 data by Parline, the IPU tracker.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the IPU report, stating that 'two factors have made a significant difference...: electoral systems — especially proportional representation or mixed systems — and gender quotas in any form.'

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Karnataka Cabinet cleared the bill on April 17, 2026.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the bill aims to safeguard SC/ST students in all higher education institutes. Statement 2 is correct as it requires forming an Equity Committee with an SC/ST presiding member. Statement 3 is incorrect; the fine is up to Rs 10 lakh, not Rs 5 lakh.

Explanation

The article specifies that Higher Educational Institutes violating the law can face a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh from the state government.

Explanation

The bill establishes the Equity Committee as a redressal authority if students from SC/ST groups face discrimination from teachers or fellow students, as stated in the article.

Explanation

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, is the new substantive criminal code that replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860. The BNS along with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) overhauled India's criminal justice system.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The FIR was registered under Section 6 of the POCSO Act and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), not the Indian Penal Code. Statement 2 is correct as the court highlighted the de jure vs. de facto victim distinction. Statement 3 is incorrect as the court explicitly said quashing under POCSO is 'not an anathema to the law'.

Explanation

The article states 'The case stemmed from an FIR registered on June 13, 2025'. September 4, 2024, is the marriage date. April 16, 2026, is when the court set aside the FIR. June 12, 2025, is the child's birth date.

Explanation

The court's core reasoning was that continuing prosecution where the prosecutrix (now wife) disclaimed harm would be an 'exercise in futility' and could destroy the family, leaving her and the child without support. It emphasized the absence of a 'de facto victim' despite the legal (de jure) status of the minor.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the Supreme Court's order is for the States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh regarding the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary. This is a standard static GK fact about the sanctuary's location.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Bench took suo motu cognisance. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court threatened future paramilitary deployment if states fail, but did not order immediate CRPF deployment. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions a one-month deadline, with the next hearing on May 11, 2026.

Explanation

The article clearly states the Supreme Court warned states to take measures within a month, 'by the next date of hearing on May 11.' This is a direct factual data point from the news.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Court's suo motu cognisance was due to illegal mining 'resulting in severe degradation of critical wildlife habitats, including that of the endangered gharials.' The other options, while potential secondary impacts, are not the primary concern highlighted in the judicial order.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted the 7-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction. The RBI is India's central bank and is responsible for monetary policy and liquidity management in the banking system.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states the auction received higher bids (₹2,28,098 crore) than the notified amount (₹2 lakh crore), meaning it was oversubscribed, not undersubscribed. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect because a VRRR auction is used to absorb or withdraw liquidity, not inject it.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that the RBI pulled out '₹2,00,031 crore' of transient liquidity. While the notified amount was ₹2 lakh crore, the accepted withdrawal was ₹2,00,031 crore. Option A is the rounded notified amount, and option C is the total bid amount received.

Explanation

VRRR is a liquidity management tool. As per the context of the article, it is used to withdraw or absorb 'transient liquidity' (temporary excess funds) from the banking system. This helps in aligning short-term market rates with the policy rate and managing inflation. It is not used for reserve requirements, project financing, or deficit financing.

Explanation

The article explicitly states "according to official RBI records" when detailing the pledge of approximately 67 tonnes of gold to raise emergency funds in 1991. The RBI is India's central bank and maintains such financial records.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: reserves fell to $1-1.2 billion, not enough for oil imports. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says customs duties were cut to zero, not increased. Statement 3 is incorrect; India increased imports of discounted Russian crude.

Explanation

The article clearly states that pledging about 67 tonnes of gold raised "about $600 million in foreign currency." The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly lists diversification of energy imports and the development of SPRs as key policy measures India has taken to better absorb energy market volatility and reduce dependence on a single source.

Explanation

Article 142 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court the unique and extraordinary power to pass any decree or make any order necessary for doing 'complete justice' in any cause or matter pending before it.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states it is the 'first-ever national assessment'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report found that 35 species have either not been assessed or data is deficient. Statement 3 is correct as the report was led by the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Bat Conservation International.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the IMD forecast said 'the country as a whole was likely to get only 92% of normal rainfall'. It further notes this is the lowest forecast in 20 years.

Explanation

The article explains that the electoral roll is frozen by law after the nomination date. The Supreme Court used Article 142 to override this statutory freeze, enabling the publication of supplementary lists so that individuals cleared by the appellate tribunals could exercise their franchise.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the term "illiberal democracy" was first introduced by Fareed Zakaria in an article titled "The Rise of Illiberal Democracy" published in Foreign Affairs in 1997.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as defined by Marc F. Plattner in the article. Statement 2 is correct as per Fareed Zakaria's description. Statement 3 is incorrect; Larry Diamond notes that historically "liberty... came about before democracy."

Explanation

The article states that Orbán's center-right opponent, the Tisza party led by Péter Magyar, won 136 seats of the 199-member Hungarian Parliament.

Explanation

The article quotes Plattner saying the threat to liberal democracy lies in the possibility that "mainstream center-right parties will be captured by tendencies that are indifferent or even hostile to liberal democracy."

Explanation

The article mentions that the Supreme Court issued notices to the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh concerning illegal mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary, indicating it spans these three states.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the key directions in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Court invoked Article 142 (power to do complete justice), not Article 32. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions warnings of a complete ban and paramilitary deployment.

Explanation

The article clearly states the suo motu writ petition was initiated on March 13. April 8 is the date of a forest guard's killing, January 2026 is another incident date, and May 11 is the date of the next hearing.

Explanation

By linking environmental degradation (like illegal mining destroying habitats) to Article 21, the Supreme Court reinforces its established jurisprudence that a clean and healthy environment is integral to the right to life. This makes environmental protection a legally enforceable fundamental right, not just a Directive Principle of State Policy.

Explanation

The Allahabad High Court has jurisdiction over the state of Uttar Pradesh. Historically, it also had jurisdiction over Uttarakhand before it became a separate state. Even after Uttarakhand's formation, the Allahabad High Court remained its High Court until the separate High Court of Uttarakhand was established at Nainital in 2000. The article mentions the case pertains to Uttar Pradesh.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The High Court refused to quash the FIR, it did not quash it. Statement 2 is correct as per the court's observation: 'A statute that is enacted to curtail an emergent mischief, if stopped in its tracks at the very early stages... would bog down the statute and frustrate its purpose.' Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions allegations of forcing a burqa (a veil) on a classmate.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The two girls sought to quash the FIR lodged on January 22 under sections 3 and 5(1) of anti-conversion Act.' Sections 3 and 5(1) deal with prohibition of conversion and declaration of conversion respectively.

Explanation

The court stated that the victim's statement before the Judicial Magistrate 'cannot be trashed' and noted from the case diary that the victim was caught on a CCTV camera. It concluded that these materials prima facie attracted the provisions of the Act, making it unfit for quashing at the threshold.

Explanation

The NCDRC is the apex body constituted under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, for redressal of consumer disputes. The Act provides for a three-tier quasi-judicial mechanism comprising District, State, and National Commissions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the RBI circular mandates reporting within three working days, not seven calendar days. Statement 3 is incorrect; the commission explicitly stated that merely downloading an app does not amount to negligence by the consumer.

Explanation

The article specifically references the RBI circular dated July 6, 2017, which states that customers bear zero liability in cases of unauthorized electronic transactions caused by third-party breaches, provided the fraud is reported within three working days.

Explanation

The core significance of the ruling is that it reinforces that banks cannot automatically blame the customer. The liability lies with the bank unless it can provide concrete evidence (like OTP sharing) of customer negligence. This strengthens the RBI's zero-liability framework and empowers consumers.

Explanation

The article states that the commerce ministry's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued the order authorizing the banks. While the RBI grants approval to banks to act as nominated agencies, the specific list for bullion imports under the Foreign Trade Policy is issued by DGFT.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the DGFT authorized 17 banks for three years. Statement 2 is incorrect because only 15 banks are authorized for both gold and silver; two banks (Union Bank and Sberbank) are authorized for gold only. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly names these foreign banks.

Explanation

The article clearly states that India brought in '$72 billion worth of it [gold] in 2025-26'. This was 24% higher than the previous year. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article quotes an economist stating the delay 'effectively halted gold imports' and a Reuters report specifying that it led to 'more than 5 tonnes of gold and around 8 tonnes of silver being stuck without customs clearance'. The other options, while possible long-term effects, are not mentioned as immediate consequences in the provided text.