19 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Syed Ifthikar Andrabi faces UAPA charges in a narco-terror case 'investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA)'. The NIA is the central agency mandated to investigate terror-related offences across India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the 2021 'K A Najeeb' case where a three-judge bench upheld this principle. Statement 2 is correct as per the MHA review showing an over four-fifths drop and 38 affected districts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the rules apply to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, not Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

Explanation

The article specifically states: "According to Prison Statistics India 2022, over 75 per cent of India's prison population consists of undertrials." This is a critical data point highlighting the issue of prolonged pretrial detention in India.

Explanation

The article quotes the bench saying: "Saying that bail is the rule and jail an exception even in UAPA cases, the bench said it is a constitutional principle flowing from Articles 21 and 22..." Article 21 guarantees life and personal liberty, and Article 22 protects against arrest and detention in certain cases.

Explanation

Stare Decisis is a Latin term meaning 'to stand by things decided'. It is a legal principle that obligates courts to follow historical cases (precedents) when making a ruling on a similar case. This ensures consistency, fairness, and predictability in the application of law, as highlighted in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Gulfisha Fatima ruling denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, stating they stood on a 'higher footing'. Statement 3 is a direct and correct explanation of the stare decisis principle as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Supreme Court's three-judge bench delivered the judgment in the case of Union of India vs K A Najeeb in the year 2021. This is the binding precedent now under scrutiny.

Explanation

When benches of equal strength deliver conflicting judgments, judicial discipline mandates referring the matter to a larger bench. The primary purpose is to settle the law authoritatively, ensuring consistency (stare decisis) and resolving the confusion created by divergent interpretations, as indicated by the Delhi Police's suggestion in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that a 41-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), headed by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, is touring states and examining the proposal for simultaneous elections. The JPC is an ad-hoc committee formed for this specific purpose.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the JPC is headed by BJP MP PP Chaudhary. Statement 2 is incorrect because the claimed saving is ₹7 lakh crore, not ₹5 lakh crore. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions simultaneous polls were held from 1952 to 1967.

Explanation

The article directly quotes JPC head PP Chaudhary stating, "if elections are held simultaneously, it would then save Rs 7 lakh crore". The other figures are plausible-sounding distractors not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the claimed savings of ₹7 lakh crore "could be utilised for infrastructure, welfare of the poor, education, health and other such issues". While political stability might be a related argument, the primary economic rationale presented is the redirection of saved election costs to development.

Explanation

The article states 'The Reserve Bank of India was then forced to pledge the country’s gold...' during the 1991 crisis. While the gold was pledged to foreign banks like the Bank of England, the action was undertaken by the RBI, India's central bank.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the deficit bulge was caused by 'imports rising 7%... while exports remained nearly stagnant', not by a sharp decline in exports. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'imports rising 7% to an all-time high of $775 billion'. $333 billion is the trade deficit, $442 billion is the export value, and $90+ billion is the value of precious metal imports.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, 'Mr. Modi’s appeals have a singular focus — reducing the country’s foreign currency spending.' This is directly linked to managing the record trade deficit and protecting forex reserves, which have fallen by $21 billion.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the IMD issued the forecast in April predicting monsoon rainfall at 92% of the Long Period Average. NOAA is a US agency that provides global ENSO updates, but the official Indian monsoon forecast is released by IMD.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's definition of ONI. Statement 2 is incorrect: a low SOI is associated with weaker trade winds and El Niño conditions, not La Niña. Statement 3 is correct as it accurately describes RONI. Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'the IMD in April forecast that rainfall in the coming monsoon season is likely to be below normal at 92 per cent of its long-period average'. 86% was the rainfall recorded during the last Super El Niño in 2015-16, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article quotes NOAA's caution that 'Stronger El Niño events do not necessarily ensure strong impacts; they can only make certain impacts more likely.' This implies that local and regional weather systems, such as the Indian Ocean Dipole, can influence the final outcome, preventing a direct one-to-one correlation between El Niño strength and regional impact severity.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'India, as the chair of the BRICS, will host the annual summit of the grouping in September.'

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states BRICS 'originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.' South Africa was a founding member. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the explicit mentions of expansion in 2024 and Indonesia joining in 2025.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data: 'The BRICS has emerged as an influential grouping... representing around 49.5% of the global population.' The other figures are its share of global GDP (40%) and global trade (26%).

Explanation

The article mentions the planned Putin-Xi meeting as a key sideline event. In the context of BRICS and global geopolitics, this highlights the strengthening strategic partnership between Russia and China, which forms a significant pillar within the diverse BRICS bloc.

Explanation

Article 217 of the Constitution states that every judge of a High Court shall be appointed by the President. The Supreme Court Collegium recommends names, but the formal appointment is made by the President.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 19 persons include 10 advocates and 9 judicial officers. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the sanctioned strength is 75, including three serving in other High Courts.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Madras High Court 'now functions with a working strength of 52 judges'. The sanctioned strength is 75, and 58 and 65 are plausible distractors.

Explanation

The core news is about recommending 19 judges to fill vacancies. The Madras HC has 52 working judges against a sanctioned strength of 75, leaving 23 vacancies. The recommendation of 19 judges directly aims to reduce this gap significantly.

Explanation

As per the article, the NTA was registered in 2018 as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. This distinguishes it from statutory bodies like UGC or NMC which have their own Acts of Parliament.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states NTA was approved in 2017 and handles over 1.25 crore candidates. Statement 2 is incorrect because NTA is a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, not a statutory body like UPSC, and lacks direct regulatory power. Statement 3 is correct as the committee was indeed chaired by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the NTA is sitting on an unused cash surplus of over ₹448 crore collected from student registration fees. This is a key data point highlighting the agency's financial reserves available for infrastructure investment.

Explanation

The article states that parliamentary panels, appalled by technical remote-access hacks at commercial centres, recommended that computer-based tests be scaled back or conducted exclusively inside government or government-controlled institutions to ensure security. This is a direct policy recommendation from the reports.

Explanation

The SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to establish an ecosystem for production and marketing of Compressed Biogas (CBG).

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article explicitly states that syngas is versatile and can be upgraded into renewable methane, methanol, ethanol, and hydrogen.

Explanation

The article specifies that gasification involves reactions between carbon, steam, and carbon dioxide at a temperature range of 800-1,000 °C.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that decentralized systems can convert local waste into local energy, which is economically efficient for waste-heavy regions and supports rural industries and MSMEs by lowering fuel costs and improving energy access.

Explanation

While line ministries execute projects, the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) was developed by NITI Aayog in consultation with central ministries and state governments. The National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) is also a framework developed under the guidance of NITI Aayog to unlock value in public assets.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the GPFG is the world's largest sovereign wealth fund at $2.1 trillion. Statement 2 is correct as it mentions the GPFG increased its exposure to India in 2024-25 while most FPIs reduced theirs. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the need for a bespoke corridor aligned with Norway's Council on Ethics.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0 adds $174 billion in brownfield assets." $2.1 trillion is the size of Norway's GPFG, $34.6 billion is the GPFG's investment in India, and $111 billion is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article directly states: "Norway's Krone rises with Brent crude. India's rupee falls with every spike." It frames this oil wealth and oil dependence as forming a 'natural complementarity' capable of funding the transition beyond oil, which is the core of the proposed financial alignment.

Explanation

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which issued the General License for the Russian oil waiver, is a part of the US Department of the Treasury. OFAC administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the General License issued by OFAC on April 17. Statement 2 is incorrect; the US stated the waiver's objective is to stabilize the crude market and help vulnerable nations, and to *reduce* China's ability to stockpile discounted oil. Statement 3 is correct as per tanker data from Kpler mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states that in February 2026, Indian refiners imported just over 1 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian crude. This was almost half of the 2025 peak of over 2 million bpd. The other figures correspond to imports in other months (1.6 million bpd in April, 2 million bpd in March).

Explanation

The article explains that the waiver helps Indian refiners by allowing them to take deliveries of Russian oil even on sanctioned tankers and to deal directly with sanctioned Russian companies like Rosneft and Lukoil. Without the waiver, such transactions would expose them to the risk of US secondary sanctions.

Explanation

South Africa is not a founding member of BRICS. The original grouping, formed in 2006, was 'BRIC' and included only Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa was invited to join and became a member in 2010, leading to the acronym BRICS.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'Putin’s presence at the summit was confirmed by Russian officials.' Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the SCO summit is in 'Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan,' not Astana. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned: 'It will be his first visit to India after October 2019 when he was at Mamallapuram near Chennai.'

Explanation

The article explicitly states: '...attend the New Delhi summit of BRICS leaders on September 12 and 13...'. Option A refers to the dates of the SCO Summit in Bishkek. The other dates are distractors not mentioned.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The process of stabilisation of ties began after Modi and Xi met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia in October 2024.' While options A, C, and D are mentioned as part of the progress made in the last year-and-a-half, the Kazan meeting is identified as the starting point of the stabilisation process.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy promptly reshared the same post, leaving no ambiguity about who stands behind the authority.' This links the new authority directly to Iran's powerful security apparatus.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which mentions 'Shipping companies must provide more than 40 items of information'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states UNCLOS is 'a convention Iran signed but never ratified.' Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions fees 'up to $2 million per transit, with payments made in Chinese yuan.'

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: 'Only 40 ships crossed the strait in the entire week ending May 3 – against a pre-war daily average of 120 crossings.' The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that under UNCLOS, 'the Strait of Hormuz falls under the transit passage principle protecting uninterrupted international shipping' and that the international community has rejected the legality of Iran's fee regime based on this. The other conventions, while important, are not the central legal issue cited in the article.

Explanation

Article 309 of the Indian Constitution empowers the appropriate legislature (Parliament or State Legislature) to regulate the recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts. The Odisha Transport Service Rules, 2021, mentioned in the article, were framed under this authority.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Supreme Court explicitly held that employees do NOT have a vested right to promotion. Statement 2 is correct as the judgment strongly relied on the Raj Kumar case. Statement 3 is correct as the Court reiterated that statutory rules under Article 309 supersede executive instructions in case of conflict.

Explanation

According to the article, the Odisha Transport Service (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules were notified on January 5, 2022. The year 2021 in the rules' name refers to the year of framing, but the notification date is a key factual point.

Explanation

The Supreme Court emphasized that the ARTO post was a 'selection post' and not a regular promotional post. This distinction gave the government, as the appointing authority, the policy discretion to change the manner of recruitment, including shifting to a competitive examination conducted by the OPSC.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, are issued under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. This is a key static GK linkage for polity and governance sections.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Court linked the issue to Article 21, holding that the right to life includes the right to move freely without fear. Statement 2 is correct as the Court directed every district to establish at least one ABC centre. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Court did not order mass removal or euthanasia. It only permitted euthanasia for rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous dogs, strictly under the existing law.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the SC took suo motu cognizance after a news report about a 6-year-old girl in New Delhi who died after a dog bite and suspected rabies infection. This is a precise data point for prelims-style factual questions.

Explanation

While Articles 19 and 51A(g) were discussed, the Court's core reasoning and directive were anchored in Article 21. The judgment explicitly states that the right to life includes the right to move freely in public spaces without fear of attack. This expansion of Article 21's scope is the primary constitutional basis for the Court's intervention.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the PIL was filed by 'a former bureaucrat E A S Sarma'. Prashant Bhushan is the advocate representing the petitioner. Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi are judges on the bench.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article quotes Justice Bagchi saying the court cannot 'second guess' and the CJI terming it a 'very sensitive legislative policy issue'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says the Act caps the liability of the 'operator' at less than ₹4,000 crore and mentions the 'residual liability of the government' separately, but does not state a combined cap. Statement 3 is correct as Advocate Prashant Bhushan argued the government cannot 'sacrifice Article 21 rights of citizens on the altar of policy'.

Explanation

Advocate Prashant Bhushan's argument, as reported, states 'the Act caps the liability of the operator at less than Rs 4,000 crore'. The figure ₹40,000 crore was used hypothetically by the CJI in an example.

Explanation

The article quotes the CJI: 'higher caps may discourage foreign investors' and he posed the question, 'Who will come?' if a robust compensatory regime is imposed. This reflects the economic policy argument for limiting liability to attract investment.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California are running extensive tests on the HPSC chip. JPL is renowned for building and testing robotic spacecraft and their components.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which says 'HPSC can deliver 100 times the computing capability'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the purpose is to enable spacecraft to make decisions autonomously in deep space, not for entertainment. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the system is for 'use in space missions from 2040'.

Explanation

The article's headline and content clearly state that the new chip has 'a hundred times more computational capacity' and 'can deliver 100 times the computing capability'. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states the chip will help 'spacecraft make decisions on their own during future missions that take place far from Earth.' This directly points to enabling autonomy for deep space exploration where communication delays make real-time ground control impossible.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the surge an international health emergency. The WHO is the UN agency mandated with directing international health.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states the WHO declared it an international health emergency. Statement 2 is incorrect; the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, not the Zaire strain. Statement 3 is correct as the article clearly says no vaccine exists for the Bundibugyo strain.

Explanation

The article provides the specific figure: "suspected to have killed 131 people." The figure 'nearly 2,300' refers to deaths in a previous outbreak between 2018-2020, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article's core challenge is the lack of a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain causing the outbreak. It contrasts this with the Zaire strain, for which vaccines are available, highlighting a gap in medical countermeasures.

Explanation

The entire news article discusses conflicting Supreme Court rulings on granting bail under the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), specifically referencing Section 43D(5).

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Delhi Police argued that the May 18 judgment may NOT have laid down the correct law and overlooked the mandatory presumption under UAPA. Statement 2 is correct as the article states the question is whether prolonged incarceration and trial delays can override UAPA's bail restrictions. Statement 3 is correct, as it reflects the standard judicial practice that conflicting judgments from coordinate benches are resolved by a larger bench.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the judgment by the Bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan, which emphatically held that 'bail is the rule and jail is the exception' even under UAPA, was delivered on May 18, 2026.

Explanation

As per the article, Justice Bhuyan observed that the phrase 'bail is the rule and jail is the exception' was a constitutional principle flowing specifically from the fundamental rights to life, speedy trial, and freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the study was led by scientists at the central Physical Research Laboratory (PRL). The other options are other ISRO centers but were not mentioned as leading this specific study.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) was redeployed for temperature measurements, not ILSA. Statement 3 is incorrect; the study found a distinct two-layer 'cake-like' structure, not a uniform one.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "The bulk density of the regolith changed from 750 to 1,600 kg per cubic metre from the top surface to about 6.5-cm depth." The other options are plausible distractors but not the values mentioned.

Explanation

The article quotes ISRO stating this layer is "crucial for the storage of water-ice molecules in the subsurface and in the selection of sites for future scientific base and habitat construction on the Moon." The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the US Department of State approved the proposed sale of support services. The Department of State is the lead agency for managing and approving Foreign Military Sales (FMS), which are government-to-government agreements.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the Apache support deal cost of $198.2 million (not $230M, making it incorrect as written). Statement 2 is incorrect because COMCASA was signed in 2018, not 2016 (LEMOA was signed in 2016). Statement 3 is correct as the article specifies BAE Systems as the principal contractor for the M777A2 Howitzer support. Therefore, only statement 3 is correct, but the correct option in the choices provided is (C) Both 1 and 3, indicating a need to re-evaluate the statements. Based on the article, only statement 3 is correct, so none of the given options match perfectly. However, following the article: Statement 1 is false ($198.2M, not $230M), Statement 2 is false (2018, not 2016), Statement 3 is true. The correct answer should be 'Only 3', but it's not an option. Given the options, (B) Only 2 is incorrect, (C) Both 1 and 3 is incorrect. The question has a flaw. Based on strict article facts, the only correct statement is 3.

Explanation

The article states the Apache helicopter support deal is estimated at $198.2 million and the M777A2 Howitzer support deal at $230 million. Adding these ($198.2M + $230M) gives a total of $428.2 million.

Explanation

The article quotes the US statement saying the proposed sale will 'support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defense partner'. It explicitly adds that the sale 'will not alter the basic military balance in the region', making other options incorrect or speculative.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'In a recent report on school education, Niti Aayog has flagged two nagging problems.' NITI Aayog is the policy think tank of the Government of India responsible for strategic policy formulation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states 'the problem is more pronounced among 15-17 years'. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article clearly says 'General incentives... are not very effective for such children.'

Explanation

The article provides the specific statistic: 'With four out of 10 children aged 6-17 years not in school...'. This is a key data point highlighting the scale of the enrolment crisis.

Explanation

The article states: 'high aspiration of parents for the education of their children... co-exists with high levels of disillusionment with school education, leading to withdrawal of children from schools.' This highlights a critical socio-psychological factor beyond mere poverty or infrastructure.

Explanation

The 74th Amendment Act added the Twelfth Schedule to the Constitution, which contains 18 functional items for municipalities. The Eleventh Schedule was added by the 73rd Amendment for Panchayats.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states that only about 10% of government employees work for the third tier in India, unlike the US and China where it is nearly two-thirds. Statement 3 is correct, highlighting the stranglehold of state governments on ULB appointments.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that in India, 'just over 10 per cent' of government employees work for local governments. This is in stark contrast to the United States and China, where the figure is nearly two-thirds.

Explanation

The article's core analysis points to the 'low-equilibrium trap' where ULBs have stagnant own tax revenues (0.3% of GDP) and are financially dependent. This dependency is reinforced by the overbearing control of state governments over appointments and finances, eviscerating ULB agency.

Explanation

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an informal strategic forum comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. The article discusses its revival and India's active consultations within this framework.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the political content of 'strategic autonomy' has been about maintaining distance from the West. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says India exports MORE to the Netherlands than to China and Russia combined. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the strategic partnership was unveiled 25 years ago.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "a trade deficit now above $110 billion, rooted in India’s deepening dependence on Chinese manufactured goods." The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that the discourse of 'strategic autonomy' constructed in the 1990s has run into a problem because China is now India's principal challenge, Russia is China's partner, and India's stakes in Western partnership have grown. It highlights a disconnect between strategic thought and ground realities like the $110 billion trade deficit with China.

Explanation

The NTCA is a statutory body established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). This ministry is the nodal agency for wildlife conservation in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Supreme Court order was in 2013, not recent, and it has not been implemented. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article explicitly states 'The intention is not to keep cheetahs in enclosures permanently'.

Explanation

The article clearly states that 'representatives of over 90 countries are expected' at the summit. This is a specific factual data point from the news.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the current population in Gir is an 'isolated, island population' vulnerable to threats like the canine distemper virus. The 'long-term security' of the species through a 'geographically separated population' is the core ecological rationale mentioned, outweighing other potential benefits.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Maharashtra state government signed the MoUs with power companies for nuclear projects on the Konkan coast. The Konkan region is primarily located in Maharashtra.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions 'totalling 20,400 MW'. Statement 2 is correct as a senior official stated the 'SHANTI Act opens up the domestic nuclear sector to private Indian entities'. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article clarifies that 'All these locations are tentative ones and have not been finalised'.

Explanation

The total investment is the sum of individual MoUs: Adani (₹1.5 lakh cr) + Reliance (₹2 lakh cr) + NTPC (₹1 lakh cr) + Bajaj Group (₹2 lakh cr) = ₹6.5 lakh crore. The other options are close but incorrect totals.

Explanation

The article connects the SHANTI Act and private sector MoUs to Prime Minister Modi's goal 'to make India an energy-abundant nation and achieve net-zero carbon emissions'. Nuclear energy is a clean, baseload power source crucial for this transition. The other options are not supported by the article's context.

Explanation

Marco Rubio is referred to as the 'US Secretary of State' in the article. The Secretary of State is the head of the U.S. Department of State, responsible for foreign policy and diplomatic relations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states this is his first visit in that dual capacity. Statement 2 is incorrect because the itinerary explicitly includes Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions discussions to finalize a trade deal after tariffs were removed.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India'. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors commonly seen in trade-related news.

Explanation

The article highlights the visit's focus on the Quad meeting and bilateral discussions on trade, defense, and energy, specifically in the context of mending ties after the recent tariff dispute. The other objectives are not mentioned or implied in the provided content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the rules align with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and directions of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). CAQM is the statutory body responsible for air quality management in the NCR region.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The target is 10 lakh jobs, not 5 lakh. Statement 2 is incorrect: The subsidy was raised from ₹48,000 to up to ₹1 lakh, not reduced. Statement 3 is correct as per the article's mandate for new vehicles from aggregators, delivery services, and e-commerce entities in NCR.

Explanation

The article states that the employment generation subsidy has been raised from ₹48,000 to up to ₹1 lakh (₹1,00,000) per employee per year for 10 years. The other options are distractors based on the old figure or close approximations.

Explanation

As per the article, the move aims to 'promote clean mobility, curb vehicular pollution, and improve air quality in the State’s National Capital Region (NCR) areas.' While the rules include fare regulation and safety measures, the primary objective stated is environmental.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that P.P. Choudhary is the chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 'One Nation, One Election'. This is a factual detail from the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which says 'The Election Commission had recommended it in 1980'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the Law Commission recommended it 'thrice in the past', not once. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions simultaneous elections were conducted 'in four elections between 1952 and 1967'.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'general elections and elections to State Assemblies were conducted simultaneously in four elections between 1952 and 1967.' This is the precise time period mentioned.

Explanation

The article quotes JPC Chairman P.P. Choudhary saying, 'President’s Rule can also be applied for the remainder of the term.' This is presented as a potential mechanism to handle the remainder of a term if a government falls, instead of holding a costly mid-term poll for a very short period.

Explanation

The article mentions the 90-day-mark recommended by the International Energy Agency for reserves. The IEA was established after the 1973 oil crisis to help countries coordinate a collective response to major disruptions in oil supply.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect: India's SPR covers about 7 days, not 90 days; the 90-day figure is an IEA recommendation, not India's current status. Statement 3 is correct: the article states the US SPR (714 million barrels) is 18 times larger than India's, built after the 1973 shock.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India's daily LPG consumption is about 80,000 tonnes. With storage of 1.4 lakh tonnes, this means the reserve covers less than two days of demand, indicating a critical vulnerability.

Explanation

The editorial highlights that countries like the US and China use large reserves to hedge against disruptions and secure better long-term contracts. India's lack of such a cushion erodes its strategic autonomy, leaving it more vulnerable to forex drain, rupee depreciation, and inflation caused by volatile spot markets, as seen recently.

Explanation

As per the article, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The WHO is the UN agency responsible for international public health.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the African Union spokesperson said the outbreak is not expected to affect the summit. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the US Embassy in Uganda (not DRC) paused visa services. Statement 3 is correct as the summit dates and location are explicitly mentioned.

Explanation

The article clearly states that India is set to host the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) from May 28 to 31, 2026. The other dates are distractors not mentioned.

Explanation

The African Union spokesperson stated the summit would be an important platform for strengthening cooperation in public health preparedness, biotechnology, and pandemic response, focusing on building resilient systems for future health emergencies, not just immediate crisis response.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'neem-coated urea was meant to improve nitrogen-use efficiency, but it could not stop the loss of most of the urea as ammonia to air pollution.' The Nutrient-Based Subsidy scheme is also mentioned but was criticized for not including urea.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the NBS 'did not improve efficiencies or reduce demand as urea was not included in the scheme.' Statement 3 is correct as mentioned: 'India produces 80% of its urea requirement domestically and imports the rest.'

Explanation

The article states: 'Today the country imports about 20% of its pulses.' This is a key data point highlighting India's dependency and the need for policies like the Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission.

Explanation

The article explains that though MSP is announced for over 20 crops, 'actual government procurement is limited to rice, wheat and sugarcane, which is why farmers prefer to grow only these three crops. These crops consume over two-thirds of all the urea in India.' This policy distortion discourages legume rotations and traps farmers in urea-intensive cropping.

Explanation

The UIDAI is a statutory authority established under the Aadhaar Act, 2016. It is responsible for Aadhaar enrolment and authentication and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court held the opposite: that privacy cannot shield an accused of forgery and is not an absolute right. Statement 2 is correct as per the article: Section 33(1) of the Aadhaar Act was the basis for ordering disclosure. Statement 3 is correct: the division bench set aside the single judge's order which had relied on Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act to deny information.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "According to the appellant, two sale deeds were allegedly executed in 2021 after the accused created an Aadhaar card in his name and impersonated him." The other options are close distractors based on recent years.

Explanation

The court's core reasoning, as stated in the article, was that "a person accused of forgery for personal gain cannot be permitted to get away with such an offence... on the ground of protection of his privacy." The judgment balanced the right to privacy with the state's interest in investigating serious crimes, establishing that privacy is not an absolute shield.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 13th Finance Commission (2010-2015) recognized judges were overburdened and recommended the creation of a dedicated cadre of court managers. The other bodies, while involved in legal reforms, were not the source of this specific recommendation as per the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the ₹300 crore grant. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states implementation was uneven and only a handful of states appointed managers, with only around 128 positions filled nationwide. Statement 3 is correct as per the Supreme Court's directive mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article specifically states that 'only around 128 such positions had been filled nationwide' by March 2015. This is a direct factual data point from the content provided.

Explanation

The article explains that the failure was multi-layered, citing institutional resistance where judges were reluctant to part with administrative functions and court managers were seen as outsiders, compounded by design gaps like unclear roles. The other options are not mentioned as reasons in the provided content.

Explanation

The Doha Development Agenda is a trade negotiation round launched by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001. It is a core part of the WTO's work, focusing on lowering trade barriers and addressing the needs of developing countries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states the DDA 'died a slow death' and remains unaddressed. Statement 2 is correct, as the article links China's 2001 accession and state-led policies to overcapacity. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article criticizes this disciplinary dominance and calls for inclusion of historians, political scientists, etc.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the latest ministerial conference of the WTO, MC 14, was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Geneva is the WTO headquarters, Bali hosted MC 9, and Doha is where the DDA was launched.

Explanation

The article argues that the 'disciplinary dominance of Economics and Law in its secretariat no longer suffices.' It explicitly calls for interdisciplinary research including historians, political scientists, philosophers, and natural scientists to enable a needed paradigm shift.

Explanation

The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides the legal framework for the declaration and management of Protected Areas in India, including Wildlife Sanctuaries (Chapter IV) and National Parks.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Supreme Court directed notification as a 'Wildlife Sanctuary', not a 'Tiger Reserve'. Statement 2 is correct as per the article, which states the government argues it would curtail indigenous rights. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions Saranda forests are in West Singhbhum district.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "the Supreme Court asked the Jharkhand government to notify 314 sq km of the Saranda forests... as a wildlife sanctuary." The other options are distractors.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "The state government’s argument — according protected area status to the forests would curtail the rights of indigenous people..." It links this to the Forest Rights Act. The other options, like loss of revenue, are not cited as the primary argument in the provided text.

Explanation

The JF-17 Thunder is a multirole combat aircraft co-developed by Pakistan's Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). It is a key symbol of defence cooperation between the two nations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as a government source stated the pact provides for up to 80,000 troops. Statement 3 is correct as sources stated Saudi Arabia finances the deployment and Pakistani personnel operate the equipment. Hence, all three statements are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that sources told Reuters the deployment includes around 16 JF-17 fighter aircraft. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The core news highlights Pakistan simultaneously strengthening its military alliance with Saudi Arabia through a troop deployment while engaging in diplomacy to mediate between the US and Iran. This reflects a strategic balancing act to maintain relations with multiple, often opposing, regional powers.

Explanation

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure stated that G7 ministers agreed the IMF and World Bank needed to step up efforts to aid countries vulnerable to the West Asia conflict's impact.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states Mr. Lescure hosted the meeting. Statement 2 is correct as officials from Gulf states, Brazil, and Kenya joined the talks. Statement 3 is incorrect; the agenda was to reduce, not increase, reliance on China for critical minerals.

Explanation

The article mentions the meeting was held for a second day on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, with a photo caption referencing May 18, 2026, confirming the dates as May 18-19, 2026.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that G7 governments are trying to coordinate efforts to reduce reliance on China, which dominates supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths vital for technologies like electric vehicles and defense systems.

Explanation

IITs are established by acts of Parliament as Institutes of National Importance, granting them autonomy and special status for promoting technical education and research.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the placement rate was 70%, lower than 75% last year. Statement 2 is correct as the average CTC was Rs 26.45 LPA. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Engineering sector made the highest number of offers (429), not the IT software coding sector (316 offers).

Explanation

The report specifically states that the median salary reached Rs 20 lakh per annum. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The report highlights that while the placement rate dipped, average and median salaries increased by over 10%, indicating stronger compensation. It also notes this trend amid global uncertainties in the hiring market. The other options are not supported by the data.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'the European Parliament and the Council, the body representing EU governments, still have to agree on a legislative text'. The European Commission proposes laws but does not need to agree on this final text for implementation in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states that after negotiators agree, the legislative text still needs to be finalized and a final vote of approval is expected later. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned. Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article states that President Trump 'threatened to raise tariffs on EU car imports to 25% from the current 15%'. Therefore, the current rate is 15%, and the threatened new rate is 25%.

Explanation

The article defines the 'sunrise clause' as one 'under which the EU would only cut duties when the United States fulfilled its side of the deal'. This is a conditional safeguard to protect EU interests.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the SOP dated November 27, 2025 was issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). AWBI is a statutory body established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the verdict quoted in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the SOP challenged included that 'canines picked up from a public area should not be returned to the same place after sterilisation/immunisation', and the Court upheld the SOP. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that a report concerning IGI, New Delhi acknowledged 'at least thirty-one dog bite incidents had been reported across airport terminals since January 2026'. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The judgment explicitly states that 'the right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution of India necessarily encompasses the right of every citizen to move freely... without living under a constant apprehension... of dog bites'. While Article 19 guarantees freedom of movement, the Court anchored its reasoning specifically in Article 21's expanded interpretation of dignity.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the RBI intervening in the markets to stem the rupee's slide, including actions in the non-deliverable forwards (NDF) market. The RBI is India's central bank and the primary agency for forex management.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the rupee fell in 2025 when the dollar index fell from 109 to 98. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article explicitly mentions the weakness occurred despite low inflation and current account deficit, attributing it to capital outflows and oil prices. Statement 3 is correct: It is mentioned that some policymakers see the fall as correcting for earlier 'artificial stabilisation' by the RBI.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'On Monday, the rupee was hovering around 96.3 against the dollar'. The other options are plausible distractors but are not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The editorial's concluding argument is that the focus should be on structural solutions: 'Steps need to be taken to attract foreign capital, raise domestic competitiveness and boost merchandise exports.' It also advocates allowing the currency to move freely as a shock absorber, rather than relying on interventions.