18 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

Article 143 deals with the power of the President to consult the Supreme Court. However, the provision for Constitution Benches (with five or more judges) is governed by Article 145(3), which states that any case involving a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the Constitution shall be decided by a bench of at least five judges.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the 'triple test' was indeed established in the 1978 Bangalore Water Supply case. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 1982 Amendment Act was never notified and thus did not come into effect. Statement 3 is incorrect; while the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, is meant to consolidate and replace the Industrial Disputes Act, it is yet to be fully implemented, as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 1978 landmark judgment in Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board vs A Rajappa was delivered by a seven-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the definition of an 'industry' determines which workplaces are covered by labour law and, consequently, which employees are entitled to statutory protections regarding wages, working hours, and dismissal. This is the core legal significance of the review.

Explanation

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) functions under the Department of Revenue, which is part of the Ministry of Finance. It is responsible for enforcing economic laws like PMLA and FEMA.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: West Bengal's counsel argued the ED is not a 'body corporate' or a 'legal or natural person' to claim violation of fundamental rights under Article 32. Statement 2 is incorrect; it was the ED (through the Solicitor General) that argued the raids were 'in the larger public interest', not that the obstruction was. Statement 3 is correct as Kapil Sibal argued an ED officer's power to investigate is drawn from the PMLA, not from a fundamental right.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the ED has maintained the raids were part of an investigation into a '₹2,742-crore coal smuggling case'. The other options are plausible distractors but are not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The core argument, as detailed in the article, is that the ED is an 'instrument of the Centre' and not a 'person' entitled to approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 for enforcement of fundamental rights against a State. The other options, while potential legal arguments, are not the primary constitutional objection highlighted in the news report.

Explanation

Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy states that 'the State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.' This is the constitutional basis for the UCC debate.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Bill aims for a uniform framework. Statement 2 is incorrect; while registration is compulsory, non-registration does not invalidate the marriage, but penalties are prescribed for failure to register. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly states the Bill will not apply to Scheduled Tribes and certain groups with protected customary rights.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Bill lays down a minimum age of 21 years for men and 18 years for women for a valid marriage. This is a key data point for factual recall.

Explanation

The Gujarat Bill's explicit exemption for Scheduled Tribes underscores a key constitutional tension. The Fifth and Sixth Schedules protect tribal customs and autonomy. A uniform code that overrides these protections could face legal challenges on grounds of violating constitutional safeguards for tribal communities.

Explanation

The article repeatedly cites data from the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) of 2015-16 for key statistics like adult prevalence (10.6%), rural-urban divide, and the 70-92% treatment gap. NMHS is the flagship survey for mental health data in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article clarifies that the lower rural prevalence likely reflects under-detection and under-reporting, not better outcomes. Statement 2 is correct as the article explicitly mentions the NMHS-estimated treatment gap of 70-92%. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the psychiatrist density is 0.75 per 100k, below the benchmark of 3.

Explanation

The article clearly states that 'India’s National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) reported that 10.6% of adults live with a mental disorder.' 6.9% is the rural prevalence, 13.7% is the lifetime prevalence, and 15.2% is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article argues that a strategy based 'on specialists alone' collapses because of the 'headline shortage' and 'distribution' problem, where psychiatrists cluster in metros. This necessitates a primary-care anchored model instead of waiting for more specialists to reach rural areas.

Explanation

Schemes related to industrial development, manufacturing, and infrastructure for industries are typically under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. While the article doesn't explicitly name the ministry, this is a standard static GK linkage.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the financial support is up to ₹1 crore per acre, not per park. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned. Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Cabinet approved ₹33,660 crore for the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA). The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article clearly states the scheme aims to develop 'plug-and-play industrial parks'. This means providing pre-built infrastructure to reduce setup time for industries, which is the scheme's core operational feature.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)' approved the construction of the 4-lane highway. The CCEA is the nodal body for reviewing and approving major economic projects.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the civil cost is ₹3,485.49 crore and land acquisition cost is ₹1,574.85 crore, which are not equal. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the project will strategically establish a vital cross-border trade corridor with Nepal via the Rupaidiha Land Port.

Explanation

The article states the project would generate 36.54 lakhs person-days (direct) and 43.04 lakh person-days (indirect). Adding these gives 79.58 lakh person-days. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article clearly highlights that the project will enhance multi-modal integration by connecting with economic and logistic nodes and will establish a vital cross-border trade and transit corridor between India and Nepal via the Rupaidiha Land Port. This is its primary strategic objective.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the sector's growth is 'Supported by the government's India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)'. This mission falls under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and is the nodal body for the semiconductor scheme.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'India's semiconductor market is estimated at $45-50 billion in FY2024-25 and has been growing at a CAGR of 20%...'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the target is 'more than 60%', not 70%. Statement 3 is correct: 'The industry is forecast to provide approximately two million employment opportunities by 2035.'

Explanation

The report specifically states: 'The market is predicted to reach $120 billion by 2030...'. The other options are plausible distractors, with $100bn and $150bn being common rounded figures, and $80bn being a lower estimate.

Explanation

The report recommends that 'the policy environment must evolve from a time-bound incentive scheme into a structurally embedded national programme to ensure funding certainty beyond annual budget cycles.' This indicates the strategic need for policy stability and long-term commitment, which is the core objective for sustainable growth in this capital-intensive sector.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the power to issue final blocking orders under Section 69(A) is currently only available to the IT Ministry (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology). Other ministries send requests, but the IT Ministry is the final agency.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The SC read down Section 60(4) of the Social Security Code 2020 which had a three-month age limit. Statement 2 is incorrect: India OPPOSES the permanent moratorium. Statement 3 is correct: The article details how skirmishes along the Durand Line have escalated and it is a historical wound for Pashtuns.

Explanation

The article states: 'Experts say that India loses about $1 billion in tax revenue annually by foregoing duty on e-transmission.' The other figures are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article quotes the Supreme Court stating that 'the right of reproductive autonomy is not confined to the biological act of giving birth. Adoption is an equal exercise of the right to reproductive and decisional autonomy under Article 21 of the Constitution.' While Article 14 was also cited, the core rationale was based on Article 21.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that a NITI Aayog report estimated 7.7 million platform workers in India in 2020-21. The ILO provided the global estimate of 400 million workers.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the ILO estimate mentioned. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article defines digital labour as including both paid and unpaid work. Statement 3 is correct, as the article discusses how digital systems can treat workers as substitutable, executing narrowly defined tasks with minimal training.

Explanation

The article states that NITI Aayog forecasts India's gig workforce to be 23.5 million by 2029-30. The other options are plausible distractors but not the specific figure mentioned.

Explanation

The article highlights this contradiction: digital work requires higher education and mental effort, yet the routine nature of tasks and algorithmic control can reduce skills and autonomy, making workers feel detached. The other options are not supported as primary concerns in the text.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited (NICDC), under DPIIT, is spearheading the development, including the BHAVYA scheme. NHAI deals with highways, SIDBI with small industries financing, and IDFC is an infrastructure finance company.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the financial support is up to ₹1 crore per acre, not ₹50 lakh. Statement 3 is correct as the Minister stated it will be implemented across all states and UTs. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states the approved amount is ₹33,660 crore. The headline mentions ₹33,000 crore, but the body text provides the precise figure of ₹33,660 crore, which is the correct data point. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

As stated by the Minister in the article, with 'pre-approved land, ready infrastructure, and integrated services, BHAVYA will significantly reduce entry barriers for investors.' The other options are not mentioned as primary objectives; the scheme aims to attract a broad range of manufacturing investments, not just cottage industries.

Explanation

The article states the commission was established by the United Nations Human Rights Council through a resolution adopted on March 4, 2022. The UNHRC is the primary UN body responsible for human rights investigations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the report highlights crimes against humanity of deportation and enforced disappearance. Statement 2 is incorrect; the report notes 80% of the children have NOT been returned. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists Erik Møse as Chair and Vrinda Grover as a member.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the report found 'over 15,000 civilians were killed' and the headline gives the precise figure of 15,172. The other options are plausible but incorrect numbers not mentioned in the report.

Explanation

The report concluded these actions constitute crimes against humanity, specifically deportation and forcible transfer, as they were not temporary and lacked consent, thus violating international humanitarian law. It explicitly rejects the 'evacuation' label.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the SCO as one of the regional and global forums where China's support is crucial for Iran. The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance whose members include China, Russia, and Iran.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's threefold explanation of China's strategy. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article clearly states China has NOT provided military assistance, maintaining a strategic distance. Statement 3 is correct as the article identifies Taiwan unification as a core priority that outweighs involvement in the Iran war.

Explanation

The article provides specific trade data: Sino-Iranian bilateral trade totaled $13 billion in 2024. The $24 billion figure is for China-Israel trade, $257 billion is for China-Gulf trade, and $400 billion is the value of the 2021 strategic pact, not annual trade.

Explanation

The article's analysis states that a prolonged conflict imposes high costs on Washington and diverts its attention away from the Indo-Pacific. This diversion is seen as a strategic advantage for China, allowing it to enhance its military capabilities and regional influence in East Asia.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the office memorandum was issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). MNRE is the nodal ministry for all policies related to renewable energy in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The mandate for wafers and ingots begins in June 2028, not 2024. Statement 2 is incorrect: India's ingot/wafer capacity is only around 2 GW, which is far lower than its 172 GW module capacity. Statement 3 is correct as per the MNRE memorandum mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states that imports of solar PV cells, wafers and polysilicon during FY25 were valued at around $1,641 million, which is approximately $1.64 billion. This highlights the significant import dependency the new policy aims to address.

Explanation

The article clearly states the aim is to 'reduce heavy import dependence' and 'boost domestic manufacturing,' specifically targeting the upstream segments (wafers, ingots) where India's capacity is currently minimal. This aligns with the broader strategic goal of creating a complete domestic value chain (vertical integration) for solar equipment.

Explanation

Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights and 'for any other purpose'. The Chhattisgarh HC used this inherent power under Article 226 to grant equitable relief (9% interest) in the absence of a statutory provision.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the court held pension is NOT a bounty but a valuable right. Statement 2 is incorrect because the court granted interest using its inherent equitable powers under writ jurisdiction, noting the ABSENCE of a statutory provision. Statement 3 is correct as per the court's observation that administrative inefficiency cannot operate to the detriment of the retired employee's family.

Explanation

The Chhattisgarh High Court, in its judgment dated March 17, 2026, dismissed the state's appeal and upheld the single judge's order directing payment of interest at the rate of 9% per annum on the delayed pensionary dues.

Explanation

The court clarified that writ courts have inherent powers to grant relief based on equity, fairness, and justice. It held that the state retained money due for decades, and interest is a legitimate compensatory mechanism for such deprivation, even in the absence of an explicit statutory mandate.

Explanation

The petitioners filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, which grants the right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Court held denial of bail violated Article 21. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Bar Council of UP wrote to the Chief Minister requesting invocation of NSA against the petitioners. Statement 3 is incorrect; the trial was transferred to Tis Hazari Courts in New Delhi, not Mumbai.

Explanation

The article states the case arose from an incident on January 14, 2026, at the Gotona Bara Toll Plaza. February 5 is when an advocate filed the bail application, March 17 is when the SC made observations, and January 16 is when the petitioners were arrested.

Explanation

The Supreme Court explicitly transferred the case to Tis Hazari Courts, New Delhi, 'to ensure fair trial and access to legal representation' as local lawyers in Barabanki were intimidating and refusing to represent the accused.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the individuals are in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The NIA is India's premier counter-terrorism agency established under the NIA Act, 2008.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as the magistrate initially sent them to three days' custody, which was later extended until March 27. Statement 3 is incorrect; the group is accused of training EAGs specifically in 'drone warfare, drone operations, assembly and jamming technology', not conventional infantry tactics.

Explanation

The article's last paragraph clearly states the arrests were made under 'Section 18 (punishment for being part of a terrorist conspiracy) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)'. This section deals specifically with conspiracy to commit a terrorist act.

Explanation

The article states that according to the NIA's FIR, the group crossed into Myanmar with the intention of carrying out a 'pre-scheduled training for Myanmar-based Ethnic Armed Groups (EAGs)'. The other options are not mentioned in the article's description of the allegations.

Explanation

The Uniform Civil Code is enshrined in Article 44, which falls under the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV of the Constitution. These principles are not enforceable by courts but are fundamental in governance.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions a three-judge Bench led by CJI Surya Kant. Statement 2 is incorrect; the plea challenges the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, not the 1986 Act. Statement 3 is correct as per the article's mention of the UCC observation. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the plea challenges the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, arguing it results in unequal inheritance for women. The other acts govern other communities or are general laws.

Explanation

The core issue is whether personal religious laws that treat genders differently violate the fundamental right to equality (Article 14). The Court's observation on the UCC brings this conflict between equality (Article 14) and religious freedom (Article 25) into sharp focus, which is a recurring theme in Indian constitutional law.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that during India's chairmanship, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) serve as the lead agencies for coordinating BRICS STI activities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'Cooperation in STI has been a part of the BRICS agenda since its early years. It was formally recognised in 2011.' Statement 2 is incorrect; the pivotal MoU that established STI as a core strategic pillar was signed in 2015, not 2020. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned: 'The TTC has made notable progress in creating policy frameworks and institutional links for cross-border technology commercialisation.'

Explanation

The article directly states: 'Under India’s 2026 Presidency, with the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’...' The other options are plausible but generic distractors not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The article's 'Way forward' section highlights that 'the lack of a permanent mechanism to manage STI cooperation' is a primary concern. The current system of annual presidential rotation is deemed unsuitable for long-term needs, leading to suggestions for a central secretariat modeled on the EU's Horizon Programme.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the report was issued by the 'U.N. human rights office' and mentions its office is based in Geneva, which is the headquarters of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'report covering 12 months to October 31, 2025'. Statement 2 is correct: 'More than 36,000 Palestinians... were forcibly displaced... by Israeli settlement expansion and associated violence'. Statement 3 is incorrect; the report said the displacement 'could amount to "ethnic cleansing"', not 'genocide', which is a distinct legal term.

Explanation

The article states: 'Settler attacks rose to 1,732 incidents, from 1,400 in the previous reporting period'. The number 1,400 is a distractor from the previous period, while 1,732 is the correct figure for the period covered by the report (12 months to Oct 2025).

Explanation

The article directly links settlement expansion to the fragmentation of land intended for a future Palestinian state. It states: 'successive Israeli governments have expanded settlements rapidly, fragmenting the land', which is central to plans for a Palestinian state. This is the core geopolitical implication, not agricultural or security cooperation benefits.

Explanation

The article states that universities conduct affiliation for colleges in accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines. The UGC is the statutory body responsible for maintaining standards in higher education.

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the article. NEP 2020 proposes a 15-year phase-out and a mentorship role for universities. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article criticizes the rigidity of the current uniform curriculum and proposes autonomy for colleges to design their own courses.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the objective of NEP 2020 is to phase out the affiliation system over a period of 15 years through a process of graded autonomy. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article identifies the lack of autonomy as a key challenge, where colleges cannot design their own courses. The proposed reform aims to empower colleges with the freedom to innovate and tailor education to market trends and local needs, moving away from rigid uniformity.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the WHO guidelines for weekly exercise, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity for adults. The study uses this as a baseline to measure the impact of climate change on physical activity levels.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the projected productivity loss is Intl$ 3.68 billion (not USD 5 billion). Statement 3 is correct as the article states India's projected mortality rate is 10.62 deaths per 100,000 population. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states the model suggests each month above 27.8°C would increase physical inactivity by 1.5 percentage points globally. The value 1.85 percentage points is the increase specific to low- and middle-income countries, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The study's core policy argument, as stated in the article, is that 'physical inactivity needs to be treated as a climate-sensitive necessity, rather than a discretionary lifestyle choice.' This foundational shift informs other recommendations like integrating heat-risk messages into exercise guidelines.

Explanation

MoSPI is the nodal ministry for national statistics, including the calculation of GDP, through institutions like the National Statistical Office (NSO). The RBI analyses this data for monetary policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The critique argues against using WPI, but the rebuttal states WPI is conceptually closer to the internationally recommended Producer Price Index (PPI), not that CPI is better. Statements 2 and 3 are directly mentioned in the article as claims from the paper and the Economic Survey respectively.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Chapter 2 of the Economic Survey 2017-18 found firms within the GST net accounted for nearly 80% of total economic turnover. 87% is the share of firms by number that were informal, and 44% is the paper's claimed share of informal sector in GVA.

Explanation

The article clarifies that these methodological choices were 'driven by structural data limitations rather than analytical oversight,' citing the absence of regular data on informal-sector output and a comprehensive PPI. It describes the approach as 'pragmatic' given the constraints.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Section 304B of the IPC (and its equivalent Section 80 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) as the provision that creates a statutory presumption treating dowry death as a heinous crime. Section 498A deals with cruelty, while Sections 302 and 326 deal with murder and grievous hurt respectively.

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the article. Statement 1 is directly quoted. Statement 2 is correct as 508 out of 510 cases is over 99%. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the SC reiterated that dowry-related violence goes against constitutional guarantees of Articles 14, 15 and 21, making it a violation of fundamental rights.

Explanation

The article specifically states that in 508 of 510 publicly available orders in dowry death cases passed by Justice Bhatia, bail was routinely granted.

Explanation

The article's core concern is that the near-uniformity of bail orders signals a troubling lack of application of mind, reducing judicial scrutiny to a template and risking turning adjudication into a mechanical exercise divorced from specific facts. While 'bail not jail' is mentioned, the concern is its misapplication, not its violation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the SEC's new interpretation was joined by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The CFTC regulates commodity derivatives, which includes certain cryptocurrencies when classified as commodities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the 'safe harbour' and 'startup exemption' are proposed pathways with conditions (like limits on money raised or time), not a blanket, indefinite exemption. Statement 3 is directly mentioned in the article as a condition under which a non-security asset could become a security.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the SEC's new interpretation classifies crypto tokens into five categories: digital commodities, digital collectibles, digital tools, stablecoins, and digital securities.

Explanation

The article quotes SEC Chair Paul Atkins saying the agency should consider a safe harbour to provide crypto companies with 'bespoke pathways' to raise capital, while maintaining appropriate investor protections. The other options are contrary to the article's content, which discusses enabling innovation within a regulated framework.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'Chhattisgarh High Court' upheld the conviction of the man under Section 354(D) IPC and Section 12 of the POCSO Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article confirms the conviction was upheld under IPC Section 354(D) and POCSO Section 12. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court specifically noted that reliable testimony of a victim does NOT require independent corroboration. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the sentence was reduced due to the long trial period among other factors.

Explanation

The article states that the victim was a '16-year-old schoolgirl' and later confirms through school records that she was 'around 16 years old in January 2016'. This minor status was crucial for applying the POCSO Act.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the court's ruling highlights that 'Even seemingly verbal acts like repeated unsolicited expressions of affection can amount to stalking and sexual harassment' under the relevant sections when directed at a minor. This is the core legal interpretation established by the judgment.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the maritime data firm 'Lloyd's List Intelligence' provided the data that about 89 ships crossed the strait between March 1 and 15. Kpler is a trade data platform, MarineTraffic is a ship tracking platform, and Reddal is a consulting firm.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per Kpler's estimate mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states pre-war traffic was 'roughly 100 to 135 vessel passages per day', not 150-200. Statement 3 is correct, as the article mentions Indian vessels (Shivalik, Nanda Devi) and a Pakistani tanker (Karachi) crossed following talks.

Explanation

The article provides the specific figure: 'At least 89 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz between March 1 and 15'. The option 'About 135 ships' is a distractor representing the higher end of pre-war daily traffic.

Explanation

The article's analysis concludes that the strait is 'closed selectively against some traffic, while still functioning for Iranian exports'. This is the core strategic implication: Iran leverages geography for economic and geopolitical gain during conflict, not that sanctions have fully failed or risks are neutralized.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Exercise Sea Dragon 26 is a "United States Navy-led" multinational Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training activity.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect: Exercise Varuna is a bilateral joint maritime (naval) exercise, while Exercise Shakti is the joint military (army) exercise between India and France. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states that Exercise MILAN 2026 "witnessed participation on an unprecedented scale, comprising 42 ships and submarines and 29 aircraft."

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that Sea Dragon is conducted "to strengthen cooperation among allied forces of participating nations and improve understanding for better anti-submarine warfare capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region."

Explanation

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, specifically through its Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS). The article mentions Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil presiding over the MoU signing.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Union Cabinet approved the extension of JJM till 2028 with an additional outlay of ₹1.51 lakh crore. Statement 2 is correct as signing MoUs covering 11 reform areas is a mandatory requirement for states. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article explicitly states the MoU mandates a 'Gram Panchayat-led, service-based and community-centred model', not a state government-led model bypassing PRIs.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Centre approved an additional outlay of ₹1.51 lakh crore for JJM 2.0 till 2028. The other options are plausible distractors but are not mentioned in the provided text.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The reform-linked MoU mandates a Gram Panchayat-led, service-based and community-centred model of rural water governance." This aligns with the mission's focus on decentralisation, community participation, and long-term sustainability. The other options contradict the article's emphasis on decentralisation and community involvement.

Explanation

The Ministry, as per the article, informed the committee that Entry 66 of the Union List provides for coordination and determination of standards in higher education institutions, and the VBSA Bill makes provisions for this mandate. Entry 25 is for education generally, while Articles 21 and 368 are unrelated.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the VBSA Bill seeks to set up an umbrella body that will subsume UGC, NCTE, and AICTE. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly mentions 'The Bill does not provide any grant-giving powers to the regulatory council.' Statement 3 is correct as opposition members pointed out federalism concerns due to central nominees.

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'The 31-member joint committee, with D Purandeswari as chairperson, met on Tuesday.' The other numbers are plausible distractors for committee sizes.

Explanation

The article states opposition members raised the concern that if funding is kept out of the VBSA's purview, institutions will have to deal directly with the Centre for funding, and this can entail delays, bureaucratic red tape, and 'political discrimination'. This is the direct impact mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that under Section 69(A), various ministries send requests to the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), which is the final signing-off agency. The proposed change aims to decentralize this power to other ministries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's description of the current Section 69(A) process. Statement 2 is correct as the article cites RTI data showing over 2,300 orders via the Home Ministry's Sahyog portal under Section 79(3)(b). Statement 3 is incorrect; the amendments have decreased the timeline from 36 hours to 3 hours, not increased it.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "Platforms must now remove non-consensual intimate imagery within two hours, as opposed to 24 hours earlier." This is a key data point from the recent amendments.

Explanation

The article highlights concerns about an "expanding censorship regime" and notes that users have flagged posts "which were satirical or critical of the government, and not necessarily illegal" being impacted. The core implication of decentralizing power to multiple ministries is the risk of inconsistent standards and potential suppression of legitimate speech.

Explanation

Article 227 of the Constitution gives High Courts the power of superintendence over all courts and tribunals within their territorial jurisdiction. The Orissa HC judgment clarified that while Article 226 (writ jurisdiction) is not maintainable against civil court orders, the supervisory jurisdiction under Article 227 remains available.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the judgment held that writ petitions under Article 226 (not Article 227) are not maintainable. Article 227 jurisdiction remains available. Statement 3 is incorrect; the judgment relied on Radhey Shyam vs Chhabi Nath (2015) and noted that Surya Dev Rai (2003) stands overruled to the extent it allowed interference under Article 226.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the judgment was delivered by a bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M.S. Raman on March 10, 2026. The other names are Chief Justices and Judges of the Supreme Court and are distractors.

Explanation

The core implication is reinforcing internal judicial propriety. By linking the validity of a judicial order to proper roster assignment, the judgment strengthens the Chief Justice's administrative authority to allocate cases and prevents judges from usurping jurisdiction, thereby upholding judicial discipline and the hierarchy within the court.

Explanation

The CDSCO, headed by the Drug Controller General of India, is the national regulatory body for pharmaceuticals. It approves new drugs, regulates clinical trials, and oversees drug safety standards, which is central to the challenges discussed in the article regarding generic semaglutide.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states 'more than 40 pharmaceutical companies are expected to launch'. Statement 2 is incorrect because semaglutide is a 'complex peptide', a fragile protein-like molecule, making it harder to copy than a simple tablet. Statement 3 is correct as the article cites Dapagliflozin as a previous case where 'nearly 100 brands appeared'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that semaglutide 'must be kept between 2°C and 8°C during the entire primary supply chain to maintain its multi-year shelf life.' The other options are distractors; while it can survive at room temperature for a limited period after opening, the core cold-chain requirement is 2-8°C.

Explanation

The article warns that if awareness and training do not expand with availability, 'indiscriminate prescribing could become a real concern' and the drug might drift into 'a casual or cosmetic weight-loss tool.' This highlights the risk of misuse over appropriate medical therapy for diabetes/obesity.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'R&D Roadmap for CCUS' was released by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in December 2025, and this technical document forms the basis of the budgetary provision.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the fund is for CCUS in 'hard-to-abate' industries, not for farmers. The confusion stems from a parallel narrative. Statement 3 is correct as the DST roadmap explicitly identifies these sectors.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Union Budget 2026 involved a massive ₹20,000 crore outlay for a carbon credit programme, and this amount is proposed over five years for large-scale deployment of CCUS technologies.

Explanation

The article quotes the DST roadmap stating that agriculture is excluded from CCUS strategies because its emissions (methane, nitrous oxide) are diffuse and biologically mediated, unlike the concentrated point-source emissions from industrial flue gases that CCUS technology is designed for.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the GCC consists of six countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. This is a fundamental static GK fact about West Asian geopolitics.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the new doctrine is bereft of traditional please-all mantras. Statement 2 is incorrect; the trade is 'over $160 billion', not exceeding $200 billion. Statement 3 is correct, as the article discusses the GCC's search for a new security paradigm and India's opportunity to be a viable alternative hub.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "With over $160 billion in bilateral trade... the GCC ranks as India’s largest socio-economic partner." The other options are plausible distractors but not the figure cited in the source.

Explanation

The article attributes the GCC's search for a new security paradigm to the exceptional turmoil since October 2023, where the US failed to protect them from Iranian attacks and acted without prior consultation, making the 'eight-decade-old regional Pax Americana' seem inadequate.