19 April 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Iran's Revolutionary Guard navy' issued the warning and is enforcing the closure. The IRGC is a separate branch from Iran's regular military (Artesh).

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article mentions the 'Revolutionary Guard navy' (IRGC), not the regular forces. Statement 2 is correct as the closure is explicitly over the 'U.S. blockade of Iranian ports'. Statement 3 is a well-established static GK fact about the Strait's importance.

Explanation

The article states the standoff escalated 'on Saturday (April 18, 2026)' and that the IRGC navy made the closure announcement 'on Saturday night'. April 19, 2026, is the publication date, not the event date.

Explanation

The core implication of closing this chokepoint is the immediate disruption of a significant portion of the world's oil supply, which jeopardizes the energy security of importing nations. While other options are potential consequences, the direct and primary threat is to energy security.

Explanation

The Delimitation Commission is a high-powered independent body established by Parliament to redraw constituency boundaries. The Election Commission conducts elections, the Finance Commission devolves funds, and the UPSC conducts recruitment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Bill aimed to expand the Lok Sabha. Statement 2 is incorrect: The proposed delimitation was based on the 2011 Census, not 2001. Statement 3 is incorrect: A constitutional amendment bill requires a special majority (two-thirds of members present and voting, and more than 50% of total strength), not a simple majority.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the proposed laws would expand the size of the Lok Sabha from 543 seats to 850 seats. The other numbers are distractors: 543 is the current strength, while 650 and 788 are plausible but incorrect figures.

Explanation

The core proposal of the Bill was to enable a delimitation exercise using the 2011 census to expand the Lok Sabha. Its failure means this specific legislative route for seat expansion is blocked, keeping the delimitation debate and the freeze based on the 1971 census alive. The other options are unrelated to the article's content.

Explanation

The article's byline explicitly states the writer is a demographer at the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai. IIPS is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article emphasizes India's population is projected to peak in the 2060s, not grow indefinitely. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the Women's Reservation Bill has been passed but 'has yet to come into effect'.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "India’s population is projected to peak in the early 2060s at about slightly more than 1.6 billion." This is a key data point challenging the long-term rationale for seat expansion.

Explanation

The article's core analytical argument is that expanding seats is a 'one-way door' and a 'permanent institutional expansion' justified by a 'temporary population moment'. The risk is locking in a federal structure based on a demographic phase that will reverse.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. This is a key static geography fact for understanding global energy routes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the strait was closed amid a standoff and no final deal was reached. Statement 3 is correct as talks were held in Pakistan and failed.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas', which translates to 20%. This is a precise data point examiners can test.

Explanation

The article states Iran 'would not reopen the crucial maritime trade route until the United States ended its blockade of Iranian ports.' This is the direct cause-and-effect relationship central to the standoff.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions interventions by the central bank (RBI) in the offshore NDF market to stem the rupee's slide. The RBI is India's central banking institution and the primary body responsible for exchange rate management.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The dollar index fell from 108.09 to 98.25 in 2025. Statement 2 is incorrect: The rupee weakened from 85.70 to 89.91. Statement 3 is correct: The article lists currencies like Thai baht, Chinese yuan, etc., that strengthened against the dollar, making the rupee an exception.

Explanation

The article states that macroeconomic indicators 'didn't warrant the currency to fall by around 5 per cent'. The movement from 85.70 to 89.91 represents approximately a 5% depreciation.

Explanation

The article concludes that 'the rupee's fall can be traced primarily to capital outflows' driven by factors like India-US trade tensions and lack of a domestic AI sector, which raised questions over growth prospects. Other options are mentioned as historical triggers or not the primary cause for the 2025 episode.

Explanation

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a rural infrastructure development scheme. As per the article, it is overseen by the Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the Cabinet decision. Statement 2 is incorrect because the BMIP explicitly covers war risk along with hull, machinery, cargo, and P&I. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the need to reduce dependence on IGP&I Clubs for sanctions resilience.

Explanation

The article states that the outlay for PMGSY-III has been revised to ₹83,977 crore from the original outlay of ₹80,250 crore. ₹70,125 crore is the outlay for PMGSY-IV, and ₹1,15,446 km is the sanctioned road length for PMGSY-III.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the BMIP was created because global insurers withdrew coverage for ships going to conflict zones like West Asia. Its core objective is to provide sovereign-backed insurance to ensure Indian trade continues uninterrupted, enhancing sanctions resilience and sovereignty.

Explanation

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty. The Supreme Court has consistently held that custodial torture and extra-judicial killings violate this fundamental right. The Sattankulam case is a direct example of a breach of Article 21.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the CBI probe debunked the police's claim, not confirmed it. Statement 3 is correct as the verdict was delivered by Judge G. Muthukumaran of the Madurai First Additional District and Sessions Court on April 6, 2026.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the court found nine policemen guilty and sentenced them to death. The other numbers are close distractors to test precise factual recall, a common Prelims trap.

Explanation

The landmark judgment serves as a powerful deterrent by holding state actors accountable for custodial violence, reinforcing the rule of law and constitutional rights under Article 21. While it may influence future cases, it does not automatically trigger reviews or change investigative jurisdictions as stated in the other options.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that farmers can access their land only under BSF supervision. The BSF is the primary border guarding force for the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders, falling under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article describes farmland 'stranded between India’s border fence and the Zero Line'. Statement 2 is incorrect; access is restricted to between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. under BSF supervision. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the government 'recently initiated steps to relocate the border fencing closer to the international boundary'.

Explanation

The article's image caption explicitly states: 'Farmers can access land beyond the fence only between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. under BSF supervision.' This is a specific factual detail directly from the source.

Explanation

The article states farmers are hopeful the relocation will allow them to 'access their fields freely, have more crop choices, and be relieved of the constraints of restricted farming hours'. This directly points to the removal of access timing (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) and crop choice restrictions as the core benefit.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the interim directions were issued in exercise of powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India. This article grants the Supreme Court unique powers to pass orders necessary for doing complete justice.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the judgment expands Article 21. Statement 2 is incorrect; the data is 2% of road length and 30% of fatalities. Statement 3 is correct as per direction (e). Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

As per direction (h) in the article, the Supreme Court ordered the deployment of ambulances and recovery cranes at intervals not exceeding 75 km. This is a specific, testable data point from the judgment.

Explanation

The judgment explicitly states that the 'Right to Life' under Article 21 is not merely a guarantee against unlawful taking of life, but a positive mandate upon the State to ensure a safe environment. This is the core constitutional hook for the judicial intervention.

Explanation

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is a national nodal agency set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to combat cybercrime in a coordinated manner, as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the RBI proposal describes a 'single facility'. Statement 2 is correct as the proposal states activation 'shall override other controls / configurations'. Statement 3 is incorrect; the RBI has only raised it as a 'key policy question' for discussion, not as a final guideline.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that according to NCRP data, digital payment frauds in 2025 amounted to Rs 22,931 crore. The other figures are distractors.

Explanation

The core objective, as stated in the RBI discussion paper and article, is to enhance customer control over payment instruments and reduce fraud instances, especially since similar user-controlled mechanisms are not uniformly available across all digital payment channels.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs declared JeI a proscribed organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. POTA was repealed, NSA is for preventive detention, and AFSPA is for disturbed areas.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because a previous takeover of 215 schools occurred in August 2025. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions proscription dates of February 28, 2019 (and again in 2024).

Explanation

The article clearly states, 'The government, in August last year, had taken over management of 215 schools affiliated with the banned JeI across the ten valley districts.' 58 is the number from the recent action.

Explanation

The article concludes by stating, 'It had said the decision to take over management of such institutions was taken in order to safeguard the academic future of the students enrolled in these schools.' The other options are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article specifically discusses the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh and states that UP accounts for around 55% of the country's total expressway network, which will increase to nearly 60% after this project.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's details of the route. Statement 2 is correct as Hardoi, Unnao, and Raebareli are among the 12 districts listed. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states UP's share will increase from around 55% to nearly 60%, not from 50% to 55%.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Ganga Expressway spans over a total length of 594 kilometres. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article directly states that 'Improved connectivity will reduce logistics costs, providing significant benefits to industries and trade.' While employment generation and industrial activity are implied benefits, the explicitly stated primary economic objective is reducing logistics costs.

Explanation

The article states that METR is a nonprofit based in Berkeley, California, which is in the United States. This is a factual detail directly from the source material.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's description of METR's methodology. Statement 2 is incorrect; the current doubling rate is every 3-4 months, not seven months. Statement 3 is incorrect; METR's funding comes mainly from private philanthropies, and it receives computing credits, not money, from AI companies.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that previously, the task length was 'doubling roughly every seven months.' This is a key data point showing the acceleration to the current 3-4 month rate.

Explanation

The core concern highlighted is the potential for 'recursive self-improvement' leading to an 'intelligence explosion,' a scenario where AI rapidly surpasses human intelligence in an uncontrolled manner. The article discusses this as a key implication of the accelerating trend.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that managements can appeal penalties before the Director of Education. The Divisional Deputy Directors are the enforcing authorities, and the School Education Commissioner is involved only if non-compliance continues.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article says the rule applies to all schools, regardless of board. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect because the maximum fine is ₹1 lakh, not ₹2 lakhs.

Explanation

The article clearly states that schools risk fines of up to ₹1 lakh (₹1,00,000). The other options are plausible distractors but incorrect as per the given information.

Explanation

The article states the circular is 'aimed at curbing long-standing complaints of profiteering' and directs schools not to compel parents to buy materials from specific shops. The other options are not mentioned as objectives.

Explanation

Article 142 empowers the Supreme Court to pass any order necessary for doing 'complete justice'. This is distinct from Article 32 (right to constitutional remedies) and Article 226 (High Court powers). The article specifically mentions the Supreme Court issuing directions, which aligns with the use of Article 142.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The correct data is 2% of road length and nearly 30% of fatalities. Statement 2 is incorrect: The directive was a ban on 'parking' of heavy vehicles, not a ban on their 'movement'. Statement 3 is correct, as it is a direct quote from the article's observation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'national highways constitute 2% of India’s total road length but account for nearly 30% of all road fatalities.' The other options are plausible-sounding distractors for this crucial data point.

Explanation

The article's core observation is that expressways must not become 'corridors of peril due to administrative lethargy or infrastructural gaps'. The Court's guidelines, including the parking ban, are direct responses to this identified governance failure. The other options are not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

NPCIL is a public sector enterprise under the administrative control of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India. The DAE is responsible for India's nuclear power programme, research, and development.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The first stage of India's three-stage programme indeed uses PHWRs with natural uranium. Statement 2 is incorrect: The FBR represents the second stage, not the third stage. Statement 3 is correct: As explained in the article, plutonium from PHWRs is used as fuel for FBRs.

Explanation

The article explicitly states NPCIL's plan is to take the installed nuclear capacity to about 54 GWe by 2047. The 22 GWe target is for 2031-32, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The core strategic objective of the FBR, as part of the three-stage programme, is to breed Uranium-233 from thorium-232. This is crucial because India has modest uranium reserves but possesses one of the world's largest thorium reserves, paving the way for ultimate energy security and fuel self-sufficiency.

Explanation

As clarified in the article by the former LS Secretary General, it is the job of the Delimitation Commission to determine the number of seats each state should get as per Article 81(2)(a). Parliament determines the total number of seats, but allocation is the Commission's mandate.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. While the law states its decisions are not to be challenged, the Supreme Court in the Kishorchandra Chhaganlal Rathod case (2024) held judicial review is available if orders are 'manifestly arbitrary'. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is correct as per the cited Supreme Court judgment.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the lapsed Bill sought to use 'the latest Census data at the time of the setting up of the Delimitation Commission — meaning, the 2011 Census'. The expert criticizes this as using 'old and outdated data'.

Explanation

The core issue is that a uniform percentage increase disregards the drastic differentials in population growth across states. This would distort the 'One Person, One Vote' principle, as the population base per constituency would no longer be uniform 'as far as practicable', which is the mandate of Article 81(2)(a).

Explanation

The article states that the CBI was handed the probe in 2019 by the BJP government in Karnataka. The CBI's investigation led to the conviction.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because while two policemen were acquitted, police inspector Chennakesava Tingarikar was convicted and sentenced to 7 years RI. Statement 3 is correct as the verdict was premised on the statement of approver Basavaraj Muttagi.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the special court awarded seven years of rigorous imprisonment for the police inspector, Chennakesava Tingarikar.

Explanation

The article states that the special court accepted the CBI argument that the motive for the murder was a simmering political rivalry between Kulkarni and Goudar, specifically citing an incident at a Zilla Panchayat drought meeting.

Explanation

Article 324 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of the Election Commission, a permanent constitutional body responsible for conducting elections. This is a fundamental static GK fact linked to the news about the EC's actions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the majority of actions pertain to posts related to Tamil Nadu and West Bengal elections. Statement 2 is incorrect; the 3-hour deadline is for platforms to act on unlawful content, not for labeling. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'over 11,000 such social media posts/URLs have been identified and acted upon'. The other options are close distractors to test precise recall of the data point mentioned.

Explanation

As per the EC statement quoted in the article, political parties are required to label synthetic content 'to maintain transparency and voter trust'. The other options are not the stated primary objectives of this specific regulatory measure.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow channel that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Strait remained closed on April 19, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect; Iran's condition is for the US to end its blockade of Iranian ports, not troop withdrawal. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the ceasefire ending on Wednesday (April 22, 2026).

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'A two-week ceasefire is set to end on Wednesday (April 22, 2026) unless it is renewed.' The other dates are distractors; April 19 is the publication/closure date.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Its closure directly threatens the flow of a significant portion of the world's seaborne oil, impacting international trade and energy security for many nations.