20 June 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Supreme Court declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths as a fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life). This is a further expansion of the scope of Article 21, which already covers various aspects like right to livelihood, clean environment, etc.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions Justices P.S. Narasimha and Atul S. Chandurkar. Statement 2 is incorrect because the right was declared under Article 21 (Right to Life), not Article 19. Statement 3 is correct as the judgment came in a case seeking higher compensation for a five-year-old boy killed by a tanker lorry in Karnataka. Hence option B is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Street Vendors Act 2014 seeks to protect vendors under Article 19(1)(g) and that the new judgment 'is also likely to set up disputes with the 2014 Act'. The COTPA 2003 is mentioned separately as an example of legislation with mixed success.

Explanation

The editorial warns that if the state uses the ruling to 'cleanse' streets of informal commercial activity, it could gentrify public spaces and criminalise the survival of the urban poor, similar to how weak implementation of the Street Vendors Act has led to eviction drives and informal rent-seeking.

Explanation

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 is the central legislation governing vehicles and rules of the road in India. The Supreme Court in this judgment criticized it for prioritizing vehicles over pedestrians. The other options are not the primary transport acts.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: a surge of nearly 163% (2.63 times) from 13,894 to 36,526. Statement 2 is correct: share doubled from 9.5% to 20.61%. Statement 3 is incorrect: the article states pedestrian fatalities continued to rise even during the pandemic. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that pedestrian deaths rose from 13,894 in 2015 to 36,526 in 2024. 26,526 is a distractor; 46,526 is too high. Thus option C is correct.

Explanation

The Supreme Court held that a safe, unobstructed footpath is a constitutional duty wherever a road exists, and no longer discretionary. The court urged a new law but did not amend the Act or ban vehicles. Compensation recalculation was a separate order. Hence option B is correct.

Explanation

The article specifically states that according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity accounted for 21% of total final energy consumption (TFEC) in 2025. IRENA is mentioned separately for its roadmap proposing 35% electrification by 2035.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: IEA data shows 21% electrification in 2025. Statement 2 is incorrect: the article states that after nearly 30 years of efforts, more than 90% of global energy use STILL depends on fossil fuels – meaning LESS than 10% is clean. Statement 3 is correct: only 42% of electricity was generated from non-fossil sources in 2025. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article mentions that IEA expects the share of electricity in global final energy consumption to go up only to about 24% by 2030 from the current 21%. The 35% figure is Turkey's proposed target for 2035, not the IEA projection for 2030.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that despite growth in electricity generation, many sectors like shipping, aviation, heavy-haul trucks, high-temperature industrial processes, and residential heating remain largely unelectrified. This makes a rapid increase to 35% by 2035 ambitious. The target also requires $1.2 trillion annual investment and rapid renewable expansion.

Explanation

Non-refoulement is a cornerstone of international refugee law, enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention. It prohibits states from returning individuals to places where they face persecution, torture, or serious harm. The EU's Return Regulation explicitly requires third-party countries to uphold this principle.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct (418-218-30 vote). Statement 2 is incorrect because unaccompanied minors are explicitly exempt from the law. Statement 3 is correct: the detention period was raised from 6 months to 24 months (2 years), with unlimited duration possible for security risks.

Explanation

The article states that only around 28% of migrants ordered to leave are effectively returned. This low return rate was a key reason cited by the Deputy Minister for Migration for passing the new law. The other options are close distractors: 18% is not mentioned, 38% and 48% are higher than the actual figure.

Explanation

The Deputy Minister for Migration explicitly stated that the law would 'speed up the return process and increase returns of persons who have no legal right to stay in the EU.' The other options are incorrect: (A) is opposite to the law's intent, (C) is not mentioned, (D) is not related to the Return Regulation.

Explanation

The Tenth Schedule was added to the Constitution by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985, to deal with the problem of political defections. It lays down the grounds for disqualification of members of Parliament and state legislatures on grounds of defection.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The 2003 amendment removed the 'split' provision (which allowed one-third to defect) and retained only the 'merger' exception. Statement 2 is incorrect: The merger exception requires two-thirds (not one-third) of a party's legislators to agree. Statement 3 is correct: The Supreme Court has clarified that a merger must involve the original political party, not just its legislature wing.

Explanation

Under the Tenth Schedule, the merger exception applies when two-thirds of a party's legislators agree to merge with another party. This threshold was retained after the 2003 amendment removed the earlier 'split' provision which required only one-third.

Explanation

The article highlights that the NDA does not have a two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments. By engineering defections through the merger loophole, the ruling coalition can increase its strength without a popular mandate, bypassing the intent of requiring wide political consensus for constitutional changes.

Explanation

The article quotes the Ministry of Finance releasing a statement welcoming the appointment. The FATF is a financial watchdog, and the nodal ministry in India for its matters is the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct – FATF was formed in 1989 by the G7. Statement 2 is correct – India joined FATF in 2010 as mentioned in the article. Statement 3 is incorrect – the article states that the FATF presidency runs on a two-year term, not three.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Vivek Aggarwal has been appointed as the incoming vice-president of FATF from July 2026 to June 2027. The other options represent different timeframes not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states that the vice-presidency strengthens India's chances for assuming the presidency when the next switchover happens after two years. The other options are not mentioned or implied – FATF does not control interest rates or give sanctions waivers, and FDI is not a direct outcome.

Explanation

The article repeatedly mentions Lebanon as the location of the bombing and ceasefire, and Hezbollah is a Lebanon-based Shia militant and political group. Syria and Iran are allies, but the group's base is Lebanon.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the MoU was signed by President Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian. Statement 2 is incorrect because the MoU created a 60-day period, not 30 days. Statement 3 is correct as the MoU sought to facilitate resumption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Explanation

The article explicitly states '18 lives were lost overnight on Thursday' in the bombing. This is a key data point for prelims.

Explanation

The article states the meeting was called off 'amid heavy bombing in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley'. This shows how regional violence directly impacts diplomatic efforts.

Explanation

The article states that Iran's top joint military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is the country that took this action.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: Iran accused the US of violating commitments under the MoU and cited Israeli strikes. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly says Israel has said it is not a party to the agreement. Statement 3 is correct: US VP JD Vance said there was 'no evidence' of an imminent closure.

Explanation

The article states: 'Israeli strikes on Saturday killed at least 16 people, including two children.' The other options are distractors not mentioned in the news.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Iran has maintained that a lasting end to hostilities in Lebanon and an Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas are essential conditions for the success of the deal.' The other options are not mentioned or are contrary to the text.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is the world's most strategic oil chokepoint. About 20-30% of global oil passes through it, and India sources approximately 40% of its crude imports via this route, making it critical for India's energy security.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per vessel tracking data from Kpler. Statement 2 is incorrect—the US issued waivers to allow more barrels to reach the international market to exert downward pressure on global oil prices, not specifically for India. India's government maintained it didn't need a waiver, but experts said it helped. Statement 3 is correct—the MoU was signed on June 17, 2026, mediated by Pakistan.

Explanation

The article cites CNN reporting based on analytics firm Kpler that the world lost approximately 1.15 billion barrels of oil supply during the 3.5-month US-Israeli war on Iran, leaving the global oil market in a precarious state.

Explanation

India's record 53.5% dependence on Russian oil, which is under Western sanctions, forces India to navigate between maintaining energy security and avoiding secondary sanctions from the US. This exemplifies India's 'strategic autonomy' but also creates long-term vulnerability from over-reliance on a single sanctioned supplier.

Explanation

The article states that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued the orders under Section 26A. This ministry is the nodal authority for drug regulation in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the news. Statement 2 is incorrect because the expert committee was formed by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), not directly by the Supreme Court. Statement 3 is correct as amoxicillin+serratiopeptidase appears in the list of banned combinations. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Centre banned 16 Fixed-Dose Combination drugs. The other options are close distractors; 10 and 12 are common numbers used in previous drug bans, while 18 is not mentioned.

Explanation

The Ministry stated that the continued use of these formulations was not beneficial when weighed against potential risks, aligning with the broader effort to promote rational use of medicines. The primary motive is public health safety, not cost reduction, generic promotion, or budget cuts.

Explanation

The Census of India is conducted under the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This is a standard static GK point. The other ministries deal with related but separate functions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct – the Census 2027 uses a mobile app (Census 2027 Houselist App) for real-time data entry. Statement 2 is incorrect – the second phase (Population Enumeration) will collect caste data. Statement 3 is correct – about 33 lakh government school teachers are the main enumerators. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Each enumerator gets an honorarium of ₹25,000 for completing the task.' The other options are plausible distractors often seen in different government survey honorariums.

Explanation

The HLO phase collects information on dwelling structure, access to water, sanitation, electricity, ownership of consumer goods, and household composition. It is the first phase of the Census, laying the foundation for the subsequent Population Enumeration. Option A is the second phase, options C and D are separate exercises.

Explanation

The article states that the new United Democratic Front (UDF) government presented its maiden Budget on June 18, 2026, after releasing a White Paper on the state's fiscal health. The previous government was led by the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Budget estimates debt-to-GSDP at 33.5% for 2026-27. Statement 2 is incorrect: The White Paper strongly criticized the previous Left government for alleged fiscal mismanagement. Statement 3 is correct: Committed expenditure is projected to exceed ₹1.22 lakh crore. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article mentions that the debt-to-GSDP ratio actuals for 2024-25 were 34.87%. The other options are close distractors: 33.5% is the 2026-27 estimate, 34.26% is the 2025-26 revised estimate, and 35.5% is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that committed expenditure (salaries, pensions, interest) will consume nearly three-fourths of state revenues, leaving limited room for developmental spending. This is a major fiscal challenge, despite the White Paper's warnings. The Budget does not propose measures to reduce this committed expenditure.

Explanation

The ICDS scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Anganwadi centres are the grassroots delivery points of ICDS. The news article also mentions the Rajasthan Women and Child Development Department organising the workshop, which aligns with this central ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 'Pankhudi' portal facilitates transparent non-cash CSR contributions, not cash. Statement 3 is correct as the article states that out of 63,000 centres, 3,284 are in dilapidated or damaged buildings. Therefore, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifically states that out of 63,000 Anganwadi centres in Rajasthan, 11,488 are functioning in rented or temporary premises. 3,284 are in dilapidated/damaged buildings. The sum of the two categories (14,772) is not the answer; the question asks for rented/temporary alone.

Explanation

The article describes 'Pankhudi' as an integrated digital platform that facilitates transparent and non-cash CSR contributions towards nutrition, health, and education. It does not handle cash transfers, attendance tracking, or new registrations.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said that India will host the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting'. MEA handles India's foreign engagements and press releases related to international meetings.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Ajit Doval chairs the meeting. Statement 2 is incorrect because the theme is 'Non-traditional security challenges', not traditional. Statement 3 is correct as per the article: 'review the outcomes of the recently held BRICS Joint Working Groups on Counter-Terrorism'. Hence C is correct.

Explanation

The article lists 11 members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE. The expanded BRICS now includes these countries after the 2023 and 2024 summits.

Explanation

The article states: 'The BRICS NSA meeting will set the stage for the BRICS Summit in India in September'. The meeting is a preparatory forum for the leaders' summit, aligning security and strategic priorities before the main event.

Explanation

The article specifically states that Delhi High Court Justice Tejas Karia ruled that the government's blocking order was legal. The other courts are not involved in this case.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the ban was to address exam paper leaks. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ban was implemented by telecom companies as well as Google and Apple (app stores). Statement 3 is correct as Pavel Durov publicly criticised the ban. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the ban was from June 16 to June 22. The other options are close distractors with shifted dates.

Explanation

The article quotes the Internet Freedom Foundation and free speech activists saying the verdict sets 'a concerning precedent with consequences for the open internet' and 'a worrying precedent that cements government powers to curb the use of any messaging platform'. The other options are either not mentioned or are secondary issues.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Iran's top joint military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to vessel traffic. The strait is described as 'an important conduit for oil and gas shipments'.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because the article quotes 'Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters' as the announcing body. Statement 2 is correct as it cites U.S. 'breach of contract' and Israeli violations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the talks were 'indefinitely postponed' on Friday (June 19) and did not take place as planned.

Explanation

The article's dateline and text clearly state that the announcement was made on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The other options are close distractors; June 19 was the date of the postponed talks, and June 18 was the date of the photo taken for the article.

Explanation

The article describes the strait as 'an important conduit for oil and gas shipments' and notes that its closure sent 'shockwaves through global energy markets'. The other options are not supported by the text; the talks were in Switzerland, not the strait, and no territorial dispute is mentioned.

Explanation

The ban was issued under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which empowers the central government to prohibit drugs that are likely to involve risk to public health or lack therapeutic justification.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the review was undertaken by an expert committee constituted by DTAB. Statement 2 is correct: Amoxicillin with Serratiopeptidase is among the banned FDCs. Statement 3 is incorrect: the prohibition is nationwide, not state-specific.

Explanation

The Centre banned 16 fixed-dose combination drugs with immediate effect, as mentioned in the article. The other options are distractors not mentioned in the news.

Explanation

The Ministry stated that the ban is intended to safeguard public health and promote rational use of medicines by ensuring only effective and scientifically validated medicines are available. The other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

PM-Kisan is a central sector scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, providing direct income support to landholding farmers.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the instalment amount is ₹18,880 crore. Statement 2 is incorrect: the article states 9.44 crore farmers, not 10 crore. Statement 3 is correct: the PM released it during Paschimbanga Divas at Tarakeswar.

Explanation

The article states that the PMFBY in West Bengal protects crops with an estimated insured value of around ₹28,140 crore during 2026-27. The other options are distractors: ₹18,880 crore is the PM-Kisan instalment, ₹590 crore is for railway projects.

Explanation

PMFBY is a crop insurance scheme. The article explicitly says it aims to provide insurance coverage to farmers and support through substantial premium subsidy. Option A refers to PM-Kisan, C to other schemes, and D to MGNREGA.

Explanation

UNHCR is the UN agency mandated to protect refugees and report on global refugee trends. UNRWA deals specifically with Palestinian refugees. IOM handles migration more broadly, and UNDP focuses on development. As per the article, UNHCR published the Global Trends 2025 report.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: refugee numbers fell 3% to 35.6 million. Statement 2 is incorrect: the article states that returnees had 'little to no choice' and returned to adverse conditions. Statement 3 is incorrect: India is NOT a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Explanation

The article clearly states that UNHCR reported 68.7 million internally displaced people. 35.6 million is the global refugee figure, 4.5 million is the stateless population, and 6 million are Palestinian refugees under UNRWA.

Explanation

The article emphasises that 4.4 million refugees returned to their countries of origin, but most went to Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan where they faced broken systems and dangerous conditions. UNHCR noted these returnees had 'little to no choice'.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Narang as a senior fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. This is a static fact linking the expert to a specific think tank.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct – the cable eliminates radio signals. Statement 2 is incorrect – their small radar cross-section makes detection extremely difficult, not easy. Statement 3 is correct – Hezbollah has used them effectively in southern Lebanon, causing IDF setbacks. Hence only 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article states that initial operation was over about 5 km, but some claims have extended the distance to 20 to 30 km. Option A (5 km) is the initial operational range, not the claimed maximum.

Explanation

The article quotes Narang saying India needs to develop better ‘hard-kill’ counter-drone systems because jamming (soft-kill) is ineffective against fibre optic drones. Hard-kill involves physical destruction via guns, missiles, or suicide drones.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Google DeepMind unveiled the new security framework in a blog post titled 'Securing the future of AI agents'. The other options are leading AI organisations but did not propose this specific roadmap.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article details that DeepMind proposes treating AI agents as insider threats with defense-in-depth. Statement 2 is incorrect because the framework identifies three categories (loss of control, work sabotage, direct harm), not two. Statement 3 is incorrect because DeepMind argues alignment alone is not sufficient and that security must evolve.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'In the US alone, AI agents could create $2.9 trillion in economic value by 2030.' The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The article explains that DeepMind's roadmap is built around a scenario where an AI agent develops differing objectives and tries to act on them. Thus, multiple security layers beyond alignment are needed. Option A is not mentioned; options C and D are factually incorrect based on the article.

Explanation

The article specifically attributes the data to the latest Global AI Talent Tracker by MacroPolo. Other think tanks may work on similar topics but are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: 38% of elite AI researchers were educated in China. Statement 2 is incorrect: India's retention rate is only 2% (not 20%). Statement 3 is correct: US retention rate is 80% as per the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 72% of China-educated elite AI researchers are working in the US. 38% is China's share of global production, 11% is China's retention rate, and 80% is the US retention rate.

Explanation

The article notes that India produces 10% of elite AI researchers but only 2% work in India, describing it as 'gifting talent' to the US. While other factors like infrastructure are important, the core problem identified is the outflow of talent (brain drain).

Explanation

The article states that Vivek Aggarwal is currently serving as Secretary in the Culture Ministry. This is a static fact linking the appointment to his current administrative role.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'appointed as the incoming vice-president of the FATF (July 2026-June 2027)'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the predecessor is Giles Thomson, not T. S. Tirumurti. Statement 3 is correct: 'He led a multidisciplinary team during India's FATF Mutual Evaluation process.' Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the term as 'July 2026-June 2027', which corresponds to the 2026-2027 term. The other options are incorrect as they are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states the selection is a 'significant development for India's role in global financial governance and efforts to strengthen international cooperation on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and illicit financial flows'. Options B, C, and D are not supported by the article and overstate the impact.

Explanation

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry for all matters relating to new and renewable energy, including solar, wind, and biomass. It sets targets and policies like the National Solar Mission.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions 'over 45 GW added in 2025'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the constraint is in 'transmission', not distribution. Statement 3 is correct as the article says upgrading the grid can unlock 1,000 GW.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'firm clean power at about ₹3.5 per kWh' is now possible with low battery costs and grid upgrades. Other options are distractors.

Explanation

The article repeatedly states that 'transmission has become the defining constraint', leaving tens of gigawatts stranded because the grid cannot absorb the power. Other options are either not mentioned or secondary.