19 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that QatarEnergy's primary LNG production units and export infrastructure are concentrated in Ras Laffan. QatarEnergy is the state-owned petroleum company of Qatar.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: Iran struck Ras Laffan after Israel hit South Pars. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article mentions the 'effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz' and that only a few tankers are trickling out. Statement 3 is correct: India imports 41.4% (over two-fifths) of its LNG from Qatar.

Explanation

The article specifically states that India imported 27 million tonnes of LNG in 2024-25, of which 11.2 million tonnes (41.4%) came from Qatar. The other options are close distractors not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The article emphasizes India's vulnerability: it depends on imports for 88% of crude oil, 60% of LPG, and 50% of natural gas, with a large share coming from West Asia via the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks directly threaten these supplies, risking a real supply crisis beyond temporary disruptions.

Explanation

The article states that Ras Laffan was established by QatarEnergy (then Qatar Petroleum). It is the state-owned corporation responsible for Qatar's oil and gas operations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article describes Ras Laffan as the 'world's largest LNG export facility'. Statement 2 is incorrect; Qatar declared only the military and security attaches 'persona non grata', not all embassy staff. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists Brent crude at $111.93 per barrel post-attack.

Explanation

The article explicitly states in the 'KEY NUMBERS' section that '~20% of global LNG supply originates here' at Ras Laffan. This is a critical data point highlighting the facility's global significance.

Explanation

The article's 'GLOBAL FALLOUT' section specifically warns that 'Any escalation that draws the Strait of Hormuz into the conflict would choke off approximately 20% of global oil trade and nearly all Gulf LNG shipments'. This is identified as a key strategic risk amplifying the crisis.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the report is by the 'International Institute of Migration and Development and the Population Foundation of India'. This is a direct factual recall from the source.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 1,355.8 million (2021) to 1,590.1 million (2051). Statement 2 is incorrect; the elderly proportion is projected to rise from 9.62% to 20.5% (slightly more than double, not triple). Statement 3 is correct: the working-age population peaks at 1,009.0 million in 2041.

Explanation

The article states: 'The median age... is projected to climb from 28 years in 2021 to 40 by 2051.' Option A is the 2021 figure, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article directly links the dwindling 0-4 age group to the risk of 'uneconomic schools' (schools with low enrolment) and the threat of teachers losing jobs, a trend already observed in Kerala. It does not mention guaranteed quality improvement or a complete shift to higher education.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the Bangalore Principles prescribe values for judicial life, focusing on ethics, integrity, and proper conduct for judges globally.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article argues the ban was a judicial order, not a 'law' made by the state as required under Article 19(2). Statement 3 is correct as the Veeraswami case was cited in the article regarding judges as 'public servants' under the PCA.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that public trust in Kenya's judiciary rose to 61% by 2013, compared to 27% in 2009, following reforms that acknowledged systemic issues.

Explanation

The article's core legal argument is that restrictions on Article 19(1)(a) free speech must be imposed by a 'law' made by the state. The Court's judicial order does not qualify as such a law, making the ban constitutionally problematic.

Explanation

The Jones Act, formally the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is the law mentioned in the article that was waived for 60 days. It mandates that cargo moving between U.S. ports must be carried on ships that are U.S.-flagged, U.S.-built, and U.S.-crewed.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the Treasury issued a broad authorization allowing PDVSA to sell oil. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Jones Act waiver is for 60 days, not indefinite. Statement 3 is correct; the article states these moves were due to pressure from soaring oil prices caused by the Iran war and Hormuz closure.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that one-fifth, which is 20%, of the world's oil typically passes through the narrow Strait of Hormuz. This is a critical data point for understanding the geopolitical significance of the strait.

Explanation

The article specifies that while the license allows the oil trade, payments cannot go directly to sanctioned Venezuelan entities like PDVSA. Instead, they must be sent to a special U.S.-controlled account, allowing the U.S. to control the cash flow.

Explanation

The article mentions the Government Accountability Office (GAO) outlining the impact of rising debt. GAO is an independent agency that audits and evaluates federal programs for Congress.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the debt milestone date is March 18, 2026. Statement 2 is correct as White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett estimated the cost at over $12 billion. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the debt has surged under both Republican and Democratic presidents.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The U.S. national debt hit $38 trillion five months ago." This is a direct factual recall from the provided content.

Explanation

The GAO outlines impacts including 'higher borrowing costs for things like mortgages and cars.' This is a direct consequence mentioned in the article, unlike the other options which are either opposite or not stated.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated its probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against SRS Group. The ED is the designated agency for investigating money laundering offences in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the restitution order is for ₹650 crore, while ₹2,200 crore is the total alleged fraud. Statement 3 is correct as Mr. Kapoor was denied entry at Newark airport and deported based on an Interpol Red Notice.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the court has ordered restitution of properties to 2,312 homebuyers. The other numbers are close distractors not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The core development in the news is the court's order directing the return (restitution) of properties worth ₹650 crore, which were attached under PMLA, to the genuine homebuyers who were defrauded. This is a key judicial remedy in financial fraud cases.

Explanation

The article states that after the 2016 fire in Bhubaneswar which killed 22 people, fire safety audits were made compulsory for hospital facilities. This is a direct factual recall from the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says the fire was 'apparently caused by a short circuit in the ICU' and a ventilator was found charred. Statement 2 is incorrect; the fire unit arrived after more than 30 minutes, not within 10. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly states 'water is not the right medium to fight electric fires, which are best extinguished using carbon dioxide'.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: 'Last year, the Odisha government allocated about ₹320 crore for fire safety improvement across hospitals in the State.' The other options are close numerical distractors.

Explanation

The core argument of the editorial, as stated in its subtitle and concluding line, is that 'India must treat hospital fire safety as an issue of criminal accountability' and 'Until India treats hospital fire safety as a matter of criminal accountability rather than bureaucratic paperwork, the fires will keep burning.' This is the primary proposed solution.

Explanation

As stated in the article, 'France Libre is a direct reference to General Charles de Gaulle's resistance movement, which joined Allied forces to help liberate France and Europe from the Nazis during World War II.'

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states it is nuclear-powered with a displacement of about 80,000 tons (42,000 tons is for the Charles de Gaulle). Statement 2 is correct as per the data: 'enter service in 2038' for 'an estimated cost of €10 billion'. Statement 3 is correct: 'The France Libre will enhance France's nuclear capabilities through its capacity, like the Charles de Gaulle, to carry nuclear-armed aircraft.'

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The France Libre... will have a capacity for 30 Rafale fighter jets and 2,000 sailors.' The other options are plausible distractors but not the correct figure mentioned.

Explanation

The article frames the carrier as 'a symbol of national independence and a push to strengthen the country's naval forces.' Macron's quote, 'to remain free, we must be feared. To be feared, we must be powerful,' directly links the name to the strategic objective of power projection. While it may affect NATO dynamics, that is not the primary rationale stated.

Explanation

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is a statutory body established under the Juvenile Justice Act. It functions as the nodal agency for adoption in India and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the SC struck down the three-month age cap. Statement 2 is incorrect because the judgment was based on violations of both Article 14 (arbitrary classification) and Article 21 (reproductive autonomy). Statement 3 is correct as the Court noted that mandatory legal procedures like cooling-off periods under the Juvenile Justice Act often meant children were older than three months when placed for adoption.

Explanation

The Supreme Court held that mothers who adopt a child 'shall be entitled to maternity benefit for a period of twelve weeks from the date the child is handed over to her.' This aligns with the period previously available only for mothers adopting children under three months.

Explanation

The Court found that the three-month cut-off created an 'artificial' distinction between adoptive mothers, as women adopting older children are 'similarly situated' in terms of caregiving obligations. This classification lacked a rational nexus with the law's objective, making it 'palpably unreasonable' and violative of the right to equality under Article 14.

Explanation

The article clearly states the Bill is the 'Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026', indicating it aims to amend the principal Act of 2019. The other Acts deal with different subject matters.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the definition includes 'kinn(a)r, hijra, aravani and jogta'. Statement 2 is correct as it states the Bill proposes examination by a district medical board. Statement 3 is correct as it mentions making it mandatory for medical institutions to share surgery details with the DM.

Explanation

The article directly quotes and references the NALSA vs Union of India (2014) judgment for recognizing the third gender and the right to determine one's own gender identity. Puttaswamy (2018) is about privacy, Navtej Singh Johar decriminalized homosexuality, and Shayara Bano dealt with triple talaq.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'It fails to recognise that sex may be physically determined, gender identity is not. It is also impossible to diagnose "oppression" through medical examination.' This is the core criticism presented. The other options are not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The Forest Survey of India (FSI) is an organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, responsible for forest surveys and assessments. This is a standard static GK fact.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: FSI submitted the map on April 13, 2011. Statement 2 is incorrect; the former DG FSI opposed the 100m elevation definition. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned: Rajasthan has 8% forest cover (ISFR 2023).

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "According to the FSI’s report dated September 22, 2025, as many as 62 districts qualify to be included in the Aravalli." The secretary's committee listed 37 districts, and the original 2011 mapping was for 15 districts.

Explanation

The core argument in the article is that the 100m elevation definition would omit many hills, reducing the protected area. This is critical as Rajasthan has only 8% forest cover, mostly in the Aravalli region, and disturbing this 'delicate balance' is the primary concern. The exclusion of forts is a consequence, not the primary concern.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Ali Larijani was the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council at the time of his killing. This body is a key decision-making forum on national security and foreign policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions strikes on South Pars, part of the world's largest gasfield. Statement 2 is incorrect because India's energy security depends on the Strait of Hormuz, not the Strait of Malacca. Statement 3 is correct as the article states these allies refused to deploy warships.

Explanation

The article specifically states that 'Nearly 1 crore Indian citizens live and work in the region'. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors based on general population estimates.

Explanation

The article concludes that Delhi must remain alert to rapid escalation as 'it risks moving towards a point where Indian and Israeli interests begin to diverge.' This is identified as the core strategic risk, balancing partnership with vital national interests in the Gulf.

Explanation

As per the article, the UKMTO is described as the 'British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre'. This clearly indicates it is an agency of the United Kingdom, responsible for monitoring maritime security.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states Iranian attacks came after Israel hit South Pars. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article specifies South Pars is 'owned jointly by Iran and Qatar'. Statement 3 is correct as it mentions Brent crude was above $110. Hence, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'a fifth of the world’s oil is normally shipped' through the Strait of Hormuz. The other options are close distractors often used in questions about this strategic waterway.

Explanation

The article directly links the attacks to soaring energy prices, stating Brent crude was above $110, up more than 50% since the war began. This is the immediate and primary economic impact highlighted. The other options, while possible long-term consequences, are not the primary implication discussed in the provided content.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Erran Berger from LinkedIn discussing the platform's 'Economic Graph' which covers 1.3 billion members. This is LinkedIn's proprietary data project mapping global economic connections.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the traditional division of labor 'is rapidly disappearing'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article's central thesis is that the future belongs to the 'Full Stack Builder', not the hyper-specialist. Statement 3 is correct as it directly quotes the article: 'The role of the human shifts from labourer to editor, from creator to curator.'

Explanation

The article specifically states that the shift is observed 'across the 1.3 billion members that make up the platform's "Economic Graph."' The other options are plausible distractors given common knowledge of LinkedIn's scale, but the article provides the exact figure.

Explanation

The article concludes that when asked how a professional survives, 'Mr. Berger's advice is strikingly analog: curiosity.' It further draws a parallel to engineers who survived previous shifts by 'jump[ing] headfirst into the new paradigm', emphasizing adaptability over clinging to old ways or just technical expertise.

Explanation

The judgment specifically interprets Article 25 of the Constitution, which deals with the freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion. Article 19 deals with freedoms of speech, etc., Article 21 with life and liberty, and Article 29 with cultural and educational rights.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the court explicitly stated Article 25 protects this right for 'every religious denomination', including Eastern faiths. Statement 2 is correct as per the court's directive. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Maranatha case held that NO prior state permission is required for prayers on private premises.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that the bench of Justices Atul Sreedharan and Siddharth Nandan delivered the judgment. The other options are names of Supreme Court judges not involved in this case.

Explanation

The court explicitly observed that it was the duty of the state to ensure the rule of law prevails, rejecting the contention of a perceived law and order situation as a valid reason to limit worshippers. The other options are either incorrect or not the primary reason stated in the judgment.

Explanation

Article 14 guarantees equality before law. In exam malpractice cases, courts protect honest candidates from being disadvantaged by others who gain unfair advantage, upholding the principle of equal opportunity. While Article 32 is used to file the petition, the substantive right violated is often Article 14.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the SC held segregation was not viable as 'unidentified beneficiaries would stand to gain'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the NEET-UG 2024 exam was NOT cancelled, and the court specifically noted the absence of a 'nationwide ring'. Statement 3 is correct as the Aurangabad bench of Bombay HC made this observation in a postal services recruitment exam case.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the All India Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Entrance Test (AIPMT) conducted by CBSE in 2015 had 'over six lakh candidates across the country'. The other options are plausible-sounding but incorrect figures.

Explanation

The core judicial principle extracted from the article is that when a leak is systemic, it becomes impossible to identify all beneficiaries. Allowing the exam result to stand would mean 'unidentified beneficiaries would stand to gain at the cost of honest candidates', violating the right to equality. The other options, while possibly secondary effects, are not the primary legal rationale cited by the Court.

Explanation

The judgment explicitly states that the petitioner has a right to lead a healthy, happy, and dignified life under Article 21 of the Constitution. Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which has been interpreted expansively by the judiciary to include various facets of a dignified life.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The compensation was awarded to a girl who was 6 years old at the time of the accident (now about 10). The award was for her life-altering injury. Statement 2 is incorrect. The court explicitly rejected the concept of contributory negligence for a 6-year-old child. Statement 3 is correct. The order mentions Section 68 of the Electricity Act, 2003, and the relevant rules, which cast a duty on the distribution licensee.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the girl suffered 92 percent permanent disability due to the electrocution. This high percentage was a key factor in the court's decision to award enhanced compensation for her lifelong challenges.

Explanation

The court held that electricity is a dangerous commodity and the distribution licensee (Nigam) has a statutory duty under the Electricity Act, 2003, to put protective measures in place. Its failure to do so constituted negligence, making it strictly liable for the damages caused. The principle of 'res ipsa loquitur' (the accident speaks for itself) was also applied.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions 'NITI Aayog, in its 2021 report, Health Insurance for the Missing Middle'. NITI Aayog is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, which replaced the Planning Commission.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's definition. Statement 2 is incorrect; the estimated number is 38.9 lakh families, not 18 lakh. The 18 lakh figure was an earlier estimation. Statement 3 is correct as the article states NITI Aayog suggested government could partly/fully finance it.

Explanation

The article specifically states: '...which could be anywhere from ₹2,618-₹3,021, according to official documents'. Option A is the estimated annual financial commitment in crores, not the premium per family.

Explanation

The article directly quotes public health experts pointing out that 'no actuarial studies have been done to arrive at the premium amount and that the figures being quoted now are mostly arbitrary'. This is a key concern about the policy's financial design.

Explanation

The article quotes a senior official from the Ministry of Commerce discussing the FTA negotiations. The Department of Commerce under this ministry is the nodal body for formulating and implementing India's foreign trade policy and trade agreements.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the India-UK CETA was signed on July 24, 2025. Statement 2 is incorrect; the first round of India-Israel FTA talks was held between February 23-26, 2026, not March. Statement 3 is correct as negotiations with GCC were formally launched on February 24, 2026.

Explanation

The article states, "The implementation of the U.K. FTA should happen by end-April, and we might decide to announce it on May 1." Therefore, the expected implementation date is by May 1, 2026. The other dates correspond to other events: end-November 2026 is for EU FTA ratification.

Explanation

The article explicitly quotes a senior official stating, "There are several impacts of the war in the Middle East, but one of them is that our talks with the GCCs and Israel will be delayed, since most of the parties involved are at war currently." The other options are not mentioned as reasons in the provided content.

Explanation

iDEX is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, launched to foster innovation and technology development in the defence and aerospace sectors by engaging startups and MSMEs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states 566 challenges were launched, not procurement contracts. Statement 3 is incorrect; the value of cleared prototypes is Rs. 3,853 crore, while Rs. 2,326 crore is the value of procurement contracts already signed.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 58 prototypes have received clearance for procurement, valued at around Rs. 3,853 crore. The other figures correspond to different metrics: 45 contracts signed (Rs. 2,326 Cr), 566 challenges launched, and 676 entities engaged.

Explanation

The minister directly linked indigenous drone production to 'strategic autonomy, defence preparedness and self-reliance,' especially in light of lessons from modern conflicts. While exports and employment are potential benefits, the core strategic objective is autonomy and preparedness.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has advised CGD companies to deploy additional resources and step up outreach. PNGRB is the statutory regulator for the downstream petroleum and natural gas sector in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's data. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states household supplies are being maintained at pre-conflict levels, while commercial supplies are heavily impacted (only 20% allocated). Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that government measures have led to an increase of 40% in domestic LPG production compared to pre-conflict levels. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states the government has appealed to consumers to shift to PNG 'to take some pressure off of LPG supplies.' This is a direct demand-management strategy in response to the supply crisis caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure. While other options might be secondary benefits, the primary objective in this context is crisis management.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article's 'Do You Know' section, Article 113 of the Constitution requires that any proposal seeking withdrawal of money from the Consolidated Fund of India should be presented to the Lok Sabha in the form of a demand for grants.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as defined in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect: charged expenditures are liabilities and are NOT put to vote. Statement 3 is correct as per the constitutional provision explained in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Lok Sabha passes demands for grants for many ministries, Rs 53 lakh cr cleared'. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article states: 'Among other things, it provides for registration of live-in relationships, as well as their termination through a formal declaration.' It excludes Scheduled Tribes, makes registration compulsory, and sets uniform ages (21 for men, 18 for women).

Explanation

The article explicitly states the project is being executed under the administrative control of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). NFR is the zone responsible for rail networks in the North-Eastern region.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as 38.623 km out of 44.96 km (approx 86%) is in tunnels. Statement 2 is incorrect; the line connects to Rangpo, not Gangtok. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article that it is part of the broader Capital Connectivity project.

Explanation

The article's data table and text clearly state the latest estimated cost as ₹11,973 crore. ₹8,358 crore is the expenditure incurred till March 2025, and ₹2,940 crore is the outlay for 2025-26.

Explanation

The article's core theme is that this project aims to connect Sikkim with the national railway network. Sikkim is currently the only North-Eastern state without a rail link. While decongestion and tourism are potential benefits, the primary objective is establishing the first rail connectivity.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, Punjab could move the Supreme Court under its original jurisdiction in inter-state disputes. Article 262 of the Constitution and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 provide for tribunals, but the Supreme Court also possesses original jurisdiction over disputes between states.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the demand is based on a pre-Independence (1920s) royalty agreement, not a post-Independence agreement. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's details of the 1981 agreement. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the 2004 Act sought to scrap agreements but protected existing utilisation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states Punjab's groundwater extraction rate is 156.36% of the annual extractable resource. 60.63% is the national average, 78% refers to Punjab's canal irrigation coverage, and 100.5% is a plausible distractor.

Explanation

The article states Punjab's core argument rests on the riparian principle: that states through which rivers flow should have primary rights over their waters. Rajasthan is a non-riparian state. The other doctrines are not mentioned in the context of this dispute.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the World Happiness Report is published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the report notes a 'strong negative correlation exists between excessive social media use and well-being, particularly among adolescent girls.' Statement 2 is correct as it states 'Platforms driven by algorithmic feeds, influencers, and visual content are most harmful, as they encourage social comparison.'

Explanation

The article provides the exact data: 'India improved its ranking from 126th in 2024 to 118th in 2025, rising two positions this year and currently standing at 116th with a life evaluation score of 4.536.'

Explanation

The report's identification of a strong negative link between social media and youth well-being offers empirical data that supports the 'global trend of countries imposing or considering restrictions on social media use for minors,' as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the Supreme Court judgment dealt with removing an age limit from 'The Code on Social Security, 2020'. This Code consolidates laws related to social security for employees.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court removed the 3-month age limit. Statement 3 is correct as the judgment noted 'the object of maternity benefit is not associated with the process of childbirth but with the process of motherhood'.

Explanation

The article states: 'Male government employees are entitled to 15 days of paternity leave, which they can take within six months of their child’s birth or adoption.' The other options are plausible distractors.

Explanation

The article explains that the judgment seeks to create 'a meaningful opportunity' through paternity leave so fathers can participate in caregiving, thereby challenging the gendered social reality where women perform most unpaid care work.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India's LPG policy has been driven by the objective of ensuring access to clean cooking fuel through the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says 'Over 90 per cent of India’s LPG imports are sourced from West Asian suppliers'. Statement 2 is incorrect as import dependency is 60%, not 40%. Statement 3 is incorrect as consumption has 'risen steadily', not declined.

Explanation

The article states: 'Today, India has around 33 crore LPG connections'. The figure of 10 crore refers specifically to households covered under the PMUY scheme.

Explanation

The article explains that 'the deprioritisation of commercial use has increased informal market activity' and that 'this mal-regulation could lead to black markets and resale at inflated prices'.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the IT Rules, 2021 were enacted under the authority of Section 87(2) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. This section empowers the central government to make rules to carry out the provisions of the Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Section 79 provides the safe harbour clause. Statement 2 is correct: The article states this is the current power, with a proposal to decentralize it. Statement 3 is correct: The IT Rules, 2021 include this requirement for traceability. Hence, all three statements are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 64% of respondents in the UNESCO-Ipsos Survey held social media feeds as the biggest source of disinformation. 56% is the percentage relying on social media for news, 68.7% is the global social media penetration rate, and 85% is the cyberbullying statistic.

Explanation

The article highlights that law-making power for internet and communications is under the Union List (Entry 31 of List I - Posts and telegraphs, telephones, wireless, broadcasting). Therefore, states may lack the legislative competence to impose such bans, creating a constitutional challenge regarding the division of powers.

Explanation

The article mentions RBI intervention drawing on reserves to manage the rupee's value. The RBI is India's central bank and the nodal body for managing foreign exchange reserves and monetary policy, including exchange rate management.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states 'Ninety percent of its LPG imports transit the Strait of Hormuz.' Statement 2 is correct as per ICRA estimates mentioned in the article. Statement 3 is correct as the article states 'Approximately 8.9 million Indian nationals work in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries' and that remittances sustain households in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, etc.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'India's bilateral trade with the GCC stood at $178.56 billion in FY2024-25.' $137 billion is the oil import bill for FY2025, $50 billion is the annual remittance figure, and $220 billion is a projected oil trade deficit under a scenario.

Explanation

The article concludes by stating: 'India navigated the 1991 Gulf crisis, but only because that shock finally forced structural reforms that years of incrementalism had deferred.' The core lesson is that crises can act as catalysts for necessary but previously deferred structural economic reforms.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the suo motu PIL was triggered by an inspection report of the Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA). BSLSA is a statutory body constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to provide free legal services.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's data. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court directed the helpline under Section 100, not Section 101, of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article's concluding observations. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'in the current financial year 2025-26, up to December 2025, a total of 23,494 persons suffering from mental health issues have received counseling treatment across 25 district hospitals of the state.' The other numbers are from different years or categories mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'A key concern flagged by the Patna High Court was the lack of clarity on rehabilitation measures for patients discharged after treatment.' While other options like the non-functional SMHA are also mentioned, the 'key concern' specifically highlighted in a dedicated section was about rehabilitation clarity.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the report was 'presented to the U.S. Senate on Wednesday (March 18, 2026)'. The U.S. Intelligence Community regularly briefs congressional committees, including the Senate, on threat assessments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The report says 'neither country seeks to return to open conflict'. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; the report says the Taliban has conducted raids and 'probably thwarted some attacks', not that it has completely eliminated the threat.

Explanation

The report specifically mentions: 'The terrorist attack last year near Pahalgam, in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrated the dangers of terrorist attacks sparking conflict.' The article is dated 2026, making 'last year' 2025.

Explanation

The article states: 'Pakistan continues to develop increasingly sophisticated missile technology that provides its military the means to develop missile systems with the capability to strike targets beyond South Asia...' This points to extended-range missile development as a key concern.

Explanation

The article explicitly states NCERT's primary function is to prepare the curriculum for students of Classes 1 to 12. While CBSE is an examination body and the Ministry of Education is the policymaker, NCERT is the autonomous organization tasked with curriculum and textbook development.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The SC bench headed by the CJI took suo motu cognisance of the textbook chapter. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states the chapter was criticized for painting the judiciary in 'black hues' and ignoring its positive contributions, meaning it highlighted negatives, not positives. Statement 3 is correct: The bench issued contempt notices to the NCERT Director and the Education Secretary.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions the Kesavananda Bharati case as the judgment which held that Parliament cannot alter or destroy the Constitution's foundational features like democracy, secularism, federalism, and the rule of law. This is the famous 'Basic Structure Doctrine' case.

Explanation

The core debate revolves around whether NCERT's textbook content, as part of academic freedom and free speech, can critically examine the judiciary, versus the Supreme Court's duty and power to protect its own institutional integrity and authority from what it perceives as defamation. The article cites Lord Atkin on justice being subject to scrutiny, counterposed against the SC's view that criticism must be objective and not tarnish the institution.

Explanation

As per the article, the Lok Sabha Speaker invokes the 'guillotine' on the final day to put all pending Demands for Grants to a simultaneous vote. This is a key discretionary power of the Speaker in managing financial business.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the guillotine is a formal, time-bound process for Demands for Grants. Statement 2 is incorrect; passing a bill without discussion due to disruptions is called 'in din', which is distinct from the guillotine. Statement 3 is correct as the Appropriation Bill follows the approval of Demands for Grants.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Lok Sabha approved an expenditure of over ₹53 lakh crore by applying the guillotine to pass the Demands for Grants for 2026-27. This is a key factual data point for prelims.

Explanation

The guillotine is a time-bound mechanism invoked when discussion time is confined. Its core purpose is to ensure that all Demands for Grants are voted on and passed before the financial year ends on March 31, allowing the government to access funds from April 1.