18 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the Supreme Court stated "K A Najeeb is the binding law and entitled to the protection of stare decisis." This doctrine means 'to stand by things decided' and ensures consistency in legal rulings.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states the bench directed the release of Syed Ifthikar Andrabi on bail. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bench expressed 'reservations' and 'disagreed' with the 2024 Guruvinder Singh decision, not agreement. Statement 3 is directly quoted from the article which says the principle flows from Articles 21 and 22.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "We make it clear that K A Najeeb is the binding law and entitled to the protection of stare decisis." The Guruvinder Singh (2024) and Delhi riots case judgments were the ones from which the bench differed.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the bench's reasoning: "while statutes may calibrate the manner in which the principle is applied... those cannot invert the constitutional relationship between liberty and detention." This is the core legal position that balances statutory power with constitutional safeguards.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the court examined the interface between Section 43D(5) of UAPA and the right to speedy trial and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the core of the judgment is that bail is the rule even in UAPA cases. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court interpreted the existing law but did not direct any legislative amendment. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the court criticized the Gulfisha Fatima judgment for hollowing out the Najeeb precedent.

Explanation

The article directly mentions 'Section 43D(5), the draconian bail provision of the UAPA' as the specific section creating the interface with Article 21 rights.

Explanation

The judgment states that if prima facie accusations are blindly accepted to deny bail, 'pre-trial incarceration would begin to acquire a post-trial punitive character'. This captures the court's core concern about the provision's misuse.

Explanation

The Finance Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Constitution. Its primary function is to recommend the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States, and among the States themselves.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as defined in the article. Statement 2 is correct as per the constitutional amendments mentioned. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the Southern states would have 23 fewer seats and Northern states 31 additional seats.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that constitutional amendments froze political representation on the basis of the 1971 Census until the first Census after 2026. This is a key factual point for prelims.

Explanation

The article identifies 'the growing divisiveness of Indian politics' and 'the erosion of democratic sensibility' as the 'elephant in the room' aggravating federalism challenges. It argues that cooperative federalism is curdling into combative federalism due to unilateral actions and lack of consultation.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) accomplished the 1,200-second runtime test of its scramjet combustor. DRDO is India's premier agency for military research and development.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: scramjets are air-breathing and operate at hypersonic speeds. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states ramjets work most efficiently at supersonic speeds (around Mach 3), not subsonic. Statement 3 is the textbook definition of the Mach number provided in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that on 9th May, DRDO accomplished a 1,200-second runtime test of its scramjet combustor. The 700-second figure refers to a previous test conducted in January.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the manoeuvrability of hypersonic cruise missiles sets them apart. Unlike ballistic missiles which follow a standard parabolic trajectory, HCMs can be manoeuvred, making them harder for air defence systems to track and intercept.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Central Vista redevelopment project is under the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The CPWD, which is executing the project, also falls under this ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the total sanctioned cost is ₹13,169.61 crore, not over ₹20,000 crore. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions North and South Block are being refurbished into a new National Museum.

Explanation

The article states that CPWD allotted the work for CCS 8 and 9 to Ahluwalia Contracts (India) Ltd., accepting a bid of Rs 3,069.70 crore. The other options are distractors: ₹13,169.61 crore is the total project cost.

Explanation

The article clearly states that 'a 10-building Common Central Secretariat (CCS) is being constructed to house all Union ministries.' This indicates the objective is administrative consolidation and efficiency, not tourism, revenue generation, or relocation out of Delhi.

Explanation

Article 326 of the Constitution provides for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies on the basis of adult suffrage. Article 324 deals with the Election Commission, Article 329 with bar to interference by courts in electoral matters, and Article 330 with reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes in the Lok Sabha.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the ECI failed to release figures on 'ineligible' electors removed via the SIR. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article notes that these over 19 lakh 'non-citizens' retained their voting rights.

Explanation

The article specifies that 27.16 lakh electors were deleted after the process carried out by judicial officers appointed by the Supreme Court. 'Over 60 lakh' refers to those placed 'under adjudication', 'Over 19 lakh' refers to Assam NRC data, and '700' refers to the number of judicial officers.

Explanation

The author's core argument is that democracy requires meaningful competition. The concluding paragraph explicitly states that such trends 'do not augur well' and that 'there will be little thrill left in a one-horse race', which 'strikes at the very roots of the democratic character of the nation'. The other options are potential arguments for such reforms but are not the author's primary concern.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Haryana Police attributed the progress to a multi-layered policing strategy. All data and initiatives mentioned, like the Harsamay portal and Durga Shakti Force, are specific to Haryana.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's opening data. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the app is integrated with 'Haryana 112', not the 'national emergency number 112' generically—a subtle trap. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "rape cases fell from 1,716 in 2021 to 1,033 in 2025." Option A is the 2021 figure, option C is the 2025 figure for kidnapping/abduction, and D is a distractor.

Explanation

The DGP explicitly stated they asked where a woman is most vulnerable—'at home, at work, in transit, or in a courtroom'—and built protections accordingly. This defines the four-dimensional approach's core objective.

Explanation

The article discusses agricultural subsidies, including fertiliser prices. While the Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers handles production, the overarching policy for farmer support and input subsidies falls under the mandate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as explicitly mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the subsidy is Rs 44,000 per acre, not per household. Statement 3 is correct as the article states Pakistani farmers pay PKR 417 per litre vs Rs 90.94 in India, which is approximately 1.5 times more after currency adjustment.

Explanation

The article explicitly calculates that a farmer using eight bags of urea and three bags of DAP per acre receives a subsidy of Rs 44,000 per acre. Rs 1,10,000 is the subsidy for a 2.5-acre household, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that while subsidies provide crucial support and price stability, their escalating cost creates fiscal unsustainability and, due to political fear of farmer resistance, prevents the government from implementing necessary agricultural reforms. This is termed a 'paradox of risk'.

Explanation

The article states that the Composite Dialogue was formally announced after Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's meeting with Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in New York in September 1998.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article categorizes the eight subjects of the CD into humanitarian matters, cooperation, and resolution of issues. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the JATM 'did not survive the [Mumbai] attack.' Statement 3 is correct as per the article's timeline.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that 'the India-Pakistan Composite Dialogue (CD) was announced in September 1998.' The foreign secretaries met in 1997, but the CD was announced the following year.

Explanation

The article concludes that Pakistan's stance 'is rooted in its foundational principle of the two-nation theory and its irredentism.' It states that Pakistan has been willing to sacrifice economic stability but is unwilling to give up confrontation, making its security doctrine the core impediment.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, "The United Nations had, at India’s initiative, declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets." This is a factual recall from the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article details significant yield falls due to pink bollworm. Statement 2 is correct as it mentions labor costs ranging from Rs 12 to Rs 25 per kg for picking. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article states bajra needs "only 1-2 irrigations" compared to "5-7 in cotton" and uses less fertilizer.

Explanation

The article clearly states, "This time, the MSP has been raised to Rs 2,900/quintal..." The other options are distractors: ₹2,100 was the market rate a farmer got, ₹2,400 was the effective rate after a state bonus, and ₹2,775 was the previous year's official MSP.

Explanation

The article links the Strait of Hormuz closure directly to fertilizer availability: "This year, fertiliser availability is a challenge, because of the unresolved United States-Israel versus Iran conflict and closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway since February 28." While pesticides are also mentioned as being derived from petroleum, the primary and explicit challenge discussed is fertilizer supply.

Explanation

Wang Yi is the Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, as mentioned in the context of the Beijing summit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the primary diplomatic body of China.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the new formulation is 'constructive strategic stability'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article says the US readout did not mention Taiwan and that Trump 'waved aside' decades of commitment on 'Six Assurances'. Statement 3 is correct as per the article which notes 'An AI dialogue was agreed in principle; its content remains undefined.'

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Trump mentioned making 'no commitment either way' on the pending '$14 billion arms package'. The other options are close but incorrect numerical distractors.

Explanation

The article's analysis directly states that the 'G2 overlay'—the atmospheric effect of two great powers coordinating—'narrows the manoeuvring space available to other major powers, India included.' The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that Craig Venter and his team at JCVI published the creation of JCVI-syn3.0. JCVI is a non-profit research institute founded by Craig Venter, focusing on genomics and synthetic biology.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because 149 genes in JCVI-syn3.0 had no known function, which is a central point of the article. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions that by 2022, the count of unknown-function genes in JCVI-syn3A had dropped to about 92.

Explanation

The article clearly states that JCVI-syn3.0 has 473 genes. 149 is the number of genes with unknown function, 531,560 is the number of base pairs, and 92 is the number of unknown genes in the later derivative JCVI-syn3A.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that despite creating a minimal cell, a significant portion (149 genes) of its essential genome remains functionally unknown. This '30% problem' represents a major knowledge gap that prevents synthetic biology from becoming a true engineering discipline.

Explanation

The PHEIC is formally declared under the International Health Regulations (IHR), a legally binding agreement that provides the framework for managing global health security threats. The article explicitly mentions the PHEIC is declared 'under the International Health Regulations'.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which cites 'cross-border spread, conflict-driven displacement'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the current outbreak involves the 'Bundibugyo ebolavirus strain'. Statement 3 is incorrect as the article clarifies contagion starts 'once symptoms appear', not during the incubation period.

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'as of 16 May 2026, eight laboratory-confirmed cases... have been reported in Ituri Province of the DRC.' The figure 246 refers to 'suspected cases', making it a key distractor.

Explanation

While the case numbers are a factor, the article emphasizes that 'it is the ongoing conflict and displacement in this region raises concerns about undetected spread and access to care' as a key reason for the elevated PHEIC declaration. This highlights the intersection of health security and geopolitical instability.

Explanation

As per the static GK linkage, the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) is a forum consisting of chief executives and chairs of major multinational companies of European parentage, focusing on competitiveness and growth.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as PM Modi addressed the ERT in Gothenburg. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states negotiations were 'concluded' in January 2026, not that it was signed and implemented. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions discussions on green transition and digital technologies.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "In January, India and the European Union (EU) concluded the FTA." This is a direct factual recall from the news content.

Explanation

The article mentions: "The Prime Minister suggested... also creating an India Desk at ERT." This was a specific proposal to create a dedicated point of contact within the ERT forum to deepen engagement.

Explanation

The article explicitly references the 'Thucydides Trap' in President Xi's rhetorical questions. This term, popularized by Graham Allison, analyzes the historical pattern of conflict between rising and ruling powers, making it directly relevant to the U.S.-China dynamic discussed.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article states the visit was 'more symbolic than substantial, with no joint statements published or agreements signed'. Statement 2 is correct; Trump aimed to secure 'Beijing's support to end the war with Iran'. Statement 3 is correct; the delegation included executives from 'technology, semiconductors, aerospace, and agriculture'.

Explanation

The article directly quotes President Trump stating that 'China had offered to buy 200 Boeing aircraft and 450-500 aircraft engines from the U.S.' This is a specific data point from the news.

Explanation

The article states that 'Mr. Xi's expectations centred on keeping the U.S. away from Taiwan' and that he warned of confrontation if the U.S. did not handle Taiwan 'with great caution'. While other options like energy cooperation were discussed, managing the Taiwan issue was a core Chinese strategic objective.

Explanation

As mentioned in the static GK linkage, CGIAR is a global research partnership focused on reducing rural poverty, improving health and nutrition, and sustainable management of natural resources, with a strong emphasis on food security and agriculture.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is also correct as the article mentions the $336 billion projection. Statement 3 is incorrect; the report was launched by the Centre for Impact Investing and Practices with partners Temasek, Invesco, and CGIAR's ImpactSF at the Philanthropy Asia Summit, not by UNEP at WEF.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 3.7 billion people in Asia have been affected by climate-related disasters since 2000, which is more than three times the number affected in the rest of the world combined. The other figures are plausible distractors.

Explanation

The article lists several barriers, including weak policy frameworks, lack of reliable climate-risk data, fragmented financing structures, and difficulties scaling localised solutions. While investor interest is noted to be growing, the structural barriers related to policy and data are highlighted as primary constraints.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the company referred itself to Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and that Australia operates a foreign investment framework, which the FIRB administers.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states Northern Minerals is 'vying to challenge China's dominance of dysprosium production'. Statement 2 is correct as per the company's data in the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; the US-Australia deal was signed in October of the previous year (2025), not May 2026.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Almost 99% of the world's dysprosium is currently produced in China, according to the company.' The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article quotes the official statement about operating a framework 'to protect our national interest' and mentions the US-Australia deal to 'diversify critical supply chains'. This points to the core objective of economic and strategic security, not revenue, indigenous ownership, or environment as the primary driver.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the state health team, alongside representatives from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Development Programme, organized 39 training sessions in early April.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the drive aims to vaccinate approx. 1.15 crore girls annually. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states Gardasil, a quadrivalent vaccine, is being used. Statement 3 is correct as per the 'Explained' section citing GLOBOCAN 2022.

Explanation

The article states that the national capital has administered roughly 11,000 doses. The figure of 1,000 doses was the initial low participation number, not the current total.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that health officials said misinformation circulating online had emerged as one of the biggest challenges, with social media platforms amplifying misleading content and creating fear and distrust.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has previously implied that the pact places Saudi Arabia under Pakistan's nuclear umbrella.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions JF-17 jets and the HQ-9 system. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says the deployment is 'substantial, combat-capable' and 'far more than a symbolic or advisory mission'. Statement 3 is correct as the pact was signed last year.

Explanation

One government source stated the pact provides for the possibility of up to 80,000 Pakistani troops being deployed. The 8,000 troops are the initial deployment.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the deployment is 'substantial, combat-capable' and intended to support Saudi Arabia militarily if attacked, as per the mutual defence pact. It is not merely advisory, nor does it aim to replace Saudi forces or start a war with Iran.

Explanation

The CIC order explicitly states that BCCI is a private autonomous body registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act. This registration is a key factor in determining its status as a non-governmental entity.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the CIC ruled BCCI is not a 'public authority' under Section 2(h). Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clearly states BCCI was NOT established by the Constitution, Parliament, State legislature, or a government notification. Statement 3 is correct as the CIC said BCCI is not owned, controlled, or substantially financed by the government.

Explanation

The article states the CIC order was issued on Monday, May 18, 2026. This is a precise date fact that can be asked in Prelims. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The core of the CIC's reasoning, as stated in the article, is that BCCI fails to meet the criteria for a 'public authority' under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act. The law defines a public authority based on establishment, ownership, control, or substantial government financing, which BCCI lacks. The other options are incorrect interpretations.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Dr. Soumya Swaminathan is the chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. This foundation, named after her father, is a key institution in India focusing on sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states gender-based violence INCREASES significantly with climate change, particularly during heat and drought. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article clearly says climate change does not affect everyone equally and that the poor are the first and worst impacted.

Explanation

The article specifies that Dr. Swaminathan delivered the keynote address at the inauguration of the sixth annual Philanthropy Asia Summit (PAS) in Singapore. The other events are not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The article directly links climate change to a significant increase in gender-based and domestic violence, particularly during prolonged heat and drought, which disproportionately impacts women's health and safety. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) is a specialized initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It is responsible for driving the development of a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in the country.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's mention of ASML's monopoly on EUV machines. Statement 2 is correct as the article specifies the $11 billion Dholera plant. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article explicitly states the partnership aims to help India move up the value chain beyond low-cost assembly towards design and R&D.

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'The proposed Tata semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat, with a planned total investment of $11 billion...' The other options are plausible but incorrect figures.

Explanation

The article discusses how US-China tensions and export controls make India an attractive 'democratic, politically stable, and strategically aligned alternative manufacturing destination' for Dutch firms looking to diversify away from China, fitting the 'China-plus-one' strategy.

Explanation

As reiterated in the Supreme Court judgment, Article 235 of the Constitution specifically deals with the control over district courts and courts subordinate to the High Courts, including disciplinary matters. Article 226 relates to writ jurisdiction, Article 233 to appointments, and Article 124 to the Supreme Court.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the SC refused to interfere with the reinstatement and did not uphold the disciplinary action. Statement 2 is incorrect as the SC explicitly ruled the Registrar General has no such authority. Statement 3 is correct, as the judgment declared such action without the Chief Justice's approval as void from the outset.

Explanation

As per the article, the bench was headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and included Justice Joymalya Bagchi. The other options mention judges who were not part of this specific bench.

Explanation

The core of the judgment is the interpretation of Article 235. It clarifies that the constitutional control is vested in the High Court, meaning the Chief Justice and judges collectively, not in individual administrative officers like the Registrar General. This protects the judicial hierarchy from administrative overreach.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that a breakthrough came in 2015 when the Indian Parliament unanimously passed the 100th Constitutional Amendment, enabling the implementation of the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the border stretches over 4,096 km. Statement 2 is correct as it states Bangladesh ratified the 1974 LBA quickly, while India did not initially due to constitutional constraints. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article says India transferred 111 enclaves (~17,000 acres), while Bangladesh transferred 51 enclaves (~7,000 acres). Hence, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation

The article provides the exact data: Under the Agreement, India transferred 111 enclaves and Bangladesh transferred 51 enclaves. The total number of enclaves exchanged was 162, but the question asks specifically for Bangladesh's transfer.

Explanation

The article's 'Way forward' section explicitly states that the current process of border management needs to shift from 'border policing' to 'border governance'. This approach includes smart fencing, high-tech surveillance, coordinated patrolling, and avoiding excessive use of force.

Explanation

The article mentions statements by SEBI chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey. SEBI is the statutory regulator for securities markets in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 and 2 are directly mentioned as growth metrics in the article. Statement 3 is also correct as SEBI chairman Pandey stated SEBI removed more than 1.4 lakh (140,000) misleading contents.

Explanation

The article states that 22 urban local bodies raised over ₹4,500 crore through 31 municipal bond issuances by end-FY26.

Explanation

Pandey stated the West Asia crisis impacts the world through oil price and supply shocks, leading to inflationary risks. Other points like FDI outflow and digital frauds are mentioned but are not the primary concern regarding the crisis.

Explanation

Article 195 of the Constitution of India specifically deals with the salaries and allowances of the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Legislative Council (MLCs) of a state, to be determined by the state legislature. Article 106 deals with MPs, Article 164 deals with ministers, and Article 243 deals with Panchayats.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the judgment dismissed the PIL and upheld the Act. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court specifically noted that Article 195 does NOT impose any express limitation restricting the Legislature from extending benefits beyond tenure. Statement 3 is correct as the court emphasized that the quantum of benefits is a policy matter within the legislature's domain, and judicial interference would encroach upon it.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the bench of Justices Rajan Roy and Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary delivered the judgment dismissing the PIL. The other options list Supreme Court judges, who were not involved in this High Court case.

Explanation

The court held that the petitioner's grievance was essentially a disagreement with the policy of granting post-retirement benefits, which falls within the legislature's wisdom. It found no 'manifest arbitrariness' violating Article 14 or any express prohibition in Article 195, making it a non-justiciable policy issue.

Explanation

As per the article, the Kerala High Court, with Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen, delivered the judgment on May 15, 2026, allowing the petitioner to preserve his eggs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court observed that denial of oocyte retrieval violates the right to life that includes reproduction. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court declined to adjudicate on the constitutional validity of Section 21(g) as there was no specific challenge. Statement 3 is correct as the court emphasised it is the bounden duty of the government to give proper awareness to transgender persons regarding preservation of oocytes or sperms.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Section 21 of the ART Act deals with general duties of clinics and banks, and Clause 21(g) specifies age limits for availing ART services. Section 2(1)(u) defines 'woman' but is not the section dealing with duties.

Explanation

The court's order, as quoted in the article, states that denial of oocyte retrieval amounts to a violation of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, which includes the right to reproduction. While Articles 14 and 15 were argued by the petitioner, the court's primary reasoning centered on an expansive interpretation of Article 21.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that SMILE is a joint mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). This is also highlighted as the first such joint mission between these agencies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. SMILE aims to capture the first X-ray images (not ultraviolet) of Earth's magnetosphere. It does carry an Ultraviolet Imager (UVI), but its primary breakthrough is X-ray imaging. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the article, which mentions its objective to improve space weather forecasts and its orbital position.

Explanation

The article clearly states that SMILE has a mission life of about three years. The other options are plausible distractors for typical satellite missions but are not mentioned for SMILE.

Explanation

The article directly links the mission's goal of improving space weather forecasts to protecting 'space assets, like satellites and satellite-based communication, GPS, navigation systems and airline operations' as well as 'ground-based infrastructure like electricity grids'. The other options, while related to space or atmospheric science, are not the primary focus mentioned.

Explanation

Article 243D of the Indian Constitution deals with reservations of seats in Panchayats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and backward classes. Article 243W pertains to municipalities, and Article 16 deals with equality of opportunity in public employment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the move is in line with directions from the Supreme Court and Allahabad HC. Statement 2 is incorrect; the commission's mandate is to conduct an empirical study on backwardness and determine reservation proportions, not the creamy layer (which applies to jobs/education). Statement 3 is correct as per the article which mentions the tenure is ordinarily six months.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Cabinet note mentions OBC reservation in panchayats will remain capped at 27% of the total seats. This aligns with the central OBC reservation limit.

Explanation

The article clearly states the commission will carry out a detailed empirical study to assess backwardness among OBCs and recommend reservation proportions for panchayats. This is the first step of the Supreme Court's 'triple test' required for implementing OBC quota in local body polls.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that prolonged incarceration and delayed trial can lead to a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court's ruling centers on protecting this right against the stringent bail restrictions of UAPA.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as the K A Najeeb ruling established this principle. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Watali case was decided by a two-judge bench, and the article clarifies that the later three-judge bench ruling in Najeeb is the binding precedent.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the 2021 ruling in K A Najeeb was by a three-judge bench headed by the then Chief Justice of India N V Ramana. This detail is crucial for understanding the hierarchy of judicial precedents.

Explanation

The core analysis of the article is that the 'rigours' of UAPA's Section 43-D(5) can 'melt down' where prolonged incarceration violates Article 21. This establishes a balance, ensuring special laws do not completely negate fundamental rights.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow channel that links the Persian Gulf (where Qatar is located) with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea. This is a fundamental static geography fact relevant to global energy routes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the IMF expects Qatar's economy to shrink (contract) by 8.6%, not grow. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article explicitly states Qatar is geographically trapped and lacks such bypass pipelines, unlike its neighbors.

Explanation

The article states that the Iranian missiles and drones struck Qatar's Ras Laffan plant, 'causing a 17% reduction in Qatar's production capacity.' The 8.6% is the projected economic contraction, and 60% is the revenue share from gas.

Explanation

The article explicitly highlights Qatar's unique geographic vulnerability: 'Unlike its neighbors, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have pipelines that can bypass the Strait of Hormuz, Qatar is geographically trapped behind the waterway.' This is the core structural reason for the severity of the crisis.

Explanation

As per the article, the I4C, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, signed an MoU with RBIH and maintains a 'Suspect Registry' for sharing intelligence related to suspected mule accounts used in cyber-enabled financial frauds.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the inscriptions on the Anaimangalam plates are in both Sanskrit and Tamil. Statement 2 is incorrect: The scheme's outlay is ₹37,500 crore, not ₹75,000 crore (which is the untied component of the SASCI scheme). Statement 3 is correct: SEHAT was jointly launched by ICMR and ICAR.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects targets the gasification of approximately 75 million tonnes (mt) of coal/lignite. The other options are plausible distractors.

Explanation

The article links the proposed tax cut to the erosion of forex reserves by $38 billion and the need to revive overseas inflows. The move is a response to capital outflows and aims to make Indian bonds more attractive to non-resident investors, thereby supporting reserve stability.

Explanation

The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial body under the Constitution of India, as established under Article 124. The news article is about a judgment delivered by the Supreme Court.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the Court directed lawyers to cite ALL relevant precedents, including adverse ones. Statement 2 is correct as 'per incuriam' is defined in the article. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Court held mediclaim payouts are NOT deductible from MACT compensation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the bench comprised Justices Sanjay Karol and Vipul M Pancholi. The other options are names of other Supreme Court judges not mentioned in this context.

Explanation

The core dispute in the appeal was whether mediclaim payouts could be deducted from compensation awarded under the Motor Vehicles Act. The Court settled this by ruling they are not deductible, as mediclaim is contractual while MACT compensation is statutory.

Explanation

The Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the nodal body for formulating India's foreign trade policy and releasing trade data. The article's reference to 'government data' on exports points to this department.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because non-oil exports grew 9%, which is slower than the overall 14% growth. Statement 3 is incorrect as exports to West Asia fell by 28%. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

Explanation

The article states: "India’s non-oil exports grew 9% in April 2026 to about $40 billion." The other options are close distractors based on the total merchandise export figure of $43.6 billion.

Explanation

The article underscores that diversification is an attempt "to diversify in times of crisis" and that gains in other regions help counterbalance losses from the West Asia crisis. This points to building supply chain resilience as the core strategic objective.

Explanation

The article explicitly discusses IRDAI's regulatory framework for protecting policyholders. IRDAI is the statutory regulator for the insurance sector in India, distinct from RBI (banking), SEBI (securities), and PFRDA (pensions).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions a 15-30 day free-look period. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the CIS must be available in any preferred regional language. Statement 3 is incorrect as the article clarifies persistency is tracked for the insurer's performance and profitability, not primarily for customer satisfaction.

Explanation

The article specifically states that the free-look period is 15-30 days. This is a standard regulatory provision (15 days for life insurance and 30 days for health insurance) to protect consumers from mis-selling.

Explanation

The article states that IRDAI regulations mandate a CIS to give key policy features in simple language. This aims to combat mis-selling by enhancing transparency and ensuring buyers understand the product, addressing the problem of complex policy documents that customers rarely read.

Explanation

As per the article, the plutonium needed for the nuclear fission device was extracted from the CIRUS (Canada-India Reactor Utility Services) research reactor, which had been in operation since 1960.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the test was conducted on Buddha Purnima. Statement 2 is incorrect because India declared it a 'peaceful nuclear explosion' (PNE), not a weapons test. Statement 3 is correct as Raja Ramanna served as the head of the development team.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the official yield of the Pokhran-I test was set to 12 kilotons, although it notes the actual yield was likely lesser than 10 kilotons.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the global community unleashed a sharp backlash, with Canada cutting off nuclear assistance and the U.S. restricting collaborations, which persuaded India not to carry out further tests for 24 years.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India joined the Arctic Council as an observer in 2013. The Nordic Council and NATO are different entities, and India is not a permanent observer in the UNSC.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct; the article states Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO leaves Russia as the Arctic Council's sole non-NATO member. Statement 3 is incorrect; India's primary Arctic research station is 'Himadri' in Norway, while 'Maitri' is India's station in Antarctica.

Explanation

The article clearly states the target: "India must construct a small fleet of five Arctic-capable, ice-class tankers under its Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy by 2030-31." The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article emphasizes India's need to avoid being locked out of early-mover advantages in Arctic shipping and logistics. It also highlights Nordic strengths in resources like Sweden's rare earths as a means for supply-chain diversification away from China's dominance. The other options are either not mentioned (A), contrary to the article's 'non-zero-sum' stance (C), or factually incorrect regarding India's status (D).