20 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states China's readiness to work with India to 'promote multilateral coordination within mechanisms such as BRICS'. The other groupings, while relevant to India's foreign policy, are not mentioned in the provided article content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is also correct as the article mentions establishing 'a board of trade and a board of investment'. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article mentions addressing market access concerns and expanding trade 'within the framework of reciprocal tariff reductions', not unilateral U.S. reductions.

Explanation

The article states: 'President Xi Jinping had announced an important initiative in 2023 to invite 50,000 young Americans to China over a five-year period.' Option B (40000) is a distractor, as that is the number who have already participated in the past three years.

Explanation

The article directly addresses concerns about India's space being compressed, calling them 'unwarranted'. It argues that 'The strategic stability of China-U.S. relations provides positive and stable expectations for the world, which will benefit India, Asia, and the world as a whole.' The other options represent contrary viewpoints not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Archaeological Survey of India arranged for people of different faiths to take turns using the Bhojshala complex in 2003.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the Act's purpose. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions the case proceeded through Section 4(3). Statement 3 is incorrect because the article states the ruling was based on the value of archaeological evidence.

Explanation

The article directly states that the Places of Worship Act 1991 had frozen the religious character of all places of worship as on August 15, 1947.

Explanation

The article argues that the ruling, enabled by Section 4(3) of the Act, is a 'procedural side door that hollows out the Act’s spirit,' which was meant to preserve status quo and prevent disputes.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India's Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is managed by the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL). This is the nodal agency for this function.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: total government-held capacity is 5.33 MMT. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states India's SPR cover is 74 days, while 254 days is Japan's cover. Statement 3 is correct: the UAE exit enables a bilateral storage agreement. Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article directly states that, based on current consumption levels, India's strategic storage provides roughly 74 days of national demand. The other options are close distractors: 90 days is the IEA mandate, 210 days is South Korea's cover, and 100 days is an estimate for China.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the advantage of storing crude in Fujairah is that it avoids transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical choke point for oil shipments. This enhances energy security by mitigating supply risks associated with that route.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger's 'ping-pong diplomacy' in 1971, involving friendly table tennis matches, was a symbolic gesture that paved the way for Nixon's 1972 visit to China.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the schism was due to multiple factors, and it was the Soviet Union that refused to provide nuclear technology to China. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly stated in the article.

Explanation

The article states: "Russia's total trade value was about $700 billion in 2025, of which about $228 billion (or 32 per cent) was only with China." The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that India's twin strategy of partnering with the US while maintaining strong ties with Russia is becoming untenable as Russia aligns more closely with China. This reduces India's room for maneuver and strategic balancing, which is a cornerstone of its foreign policy, not a direct military threat or trade collapse.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Vyommitra is India's first humanoid robot developed by ISRO to assist in human space missions' and is part of the Gaganyaan programme.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: Sodium-ion batteries 'use aluminum, which is cheaper than copper'. Statement 2 is correct: The Scramjet 'efficiently operates at hypersonic speeds and allows supersonic combustion'. Statement 3 is incorrect: CAR T-cell therapy 'is currently most effective in certain blood cancers (like leukemia and lymphoma), not all cancers.'

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'The LR-AShM is capable of engaging static and moving targets and is designed to carry various payloads to a range of around 1,500 kilometers.'

Explanation

The article lists key advantages of Sodium-ion batteries, stating: 'It can be transported at zero volt, making it safer, unlike lithium, which is less environmentally friendly and must be always stored with a minimum charge, increasing fire risks.' This is presented as a distinct safety benefit.

Explanation

The article discusses a Supreme Court bench (Justices Nagarathna & Bhuyan) granting bail under UAPA by interpreting Article 21. The Supreme Court is the apex judicial body responsible for interpreting constitutional provisions and laws.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court held that prolonged incarceration violates Article 21. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Court cautioned that disagreements should be referred to the CJI, not deviated from.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that in Jammu & Kashmir, the conviction rate under UAPA has remained below 1%. The national average was between 2-6%.

Explanation

The Court reiterated that prolonged incarceration and delayed trial produce a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the individual's right to life and personal liberty. This is the core principle used.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board is co-convened by the World Bank and WHO. This is a key institutional fact for international health governance.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, not Zaire, and the article states there are no vaccines or therapeutics for it. Statement 3 is correct, as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states that funding cuts forced the WHO to reduce its 2026-2027 budget by about 8 per cent. The other options are plausible distractors.

Explanation

The article states that rich countries have been reluctant to commit to mandatory technology transfers or binding obligations on sharing medical resources during crises, which is a key stress point for the treaty. This reflects the core equity issue in global health governance.

Explanation

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was jointly initiated by India and France. It is a treaty-based organization aimed at promoting solar energy, headquartered in Gurugram, India. This is a key static fact relevant to India's climate diplomacy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as explicitly mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 'Indo-Mediterranean' corridor is described as an emerging concept building upon the previously announced India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Statement 3 is correct as the article highlights collaboration on responsible, human-centred AI.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "India and Italy want to reach and exceed the €20-billion bilateral trade target by 2029." The other options are plausible distractors based on common policy timelines.

Explanation

The article frames the 'Indo-Mediterranean' corridor as an interconnected space for trade, technology, and ideas tying the Indian Ocean to Europe, evolving naturally from the shared democratic values of India and Italy. While not explicitly stated as an 'alternative', the context of it being a partnership grounded in 'freedom and democracy' implies this objective, differentiating it from other connectivity initiatives.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that strengthening discom finances through a reformed Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) with EV-readiness benchmarks is essential for making last-mile delivery viable. PM Gati Shakti is for infrastructure planning, NEMMP and FAME are for EV promotion, not directly for Discom financial strengthening.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's data on full electrification. Statement 2 is correct: 309 million electric two-wheelers would add only 55-75 TWh, which is less than 7% (less than 10%) of the total projected EV demand (900-1100 TWh). Statement 3 is correct: freight vehicles (HGVs & MGVs) are barely 2% of the fleet but demand 500-600 TWh, constituting the core grid challenge.

Explanation

The article states: "Electrifying them alone would require 450 TWh to 565 TWh annually." The other options are close distractors but do not match the precise range mentioned in the source.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions: "Hundreds of millions of EV batteries will eventually reach end-of-life, and India does not yet have recycling infrastructure at anywhere near the required scale. Without it, the transition risks creating a new waste crisis even as it solves an energy one." The other options are plausible concerns but are not specifically highlighted as the 'downstream dimension' in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Beijing praised the three African countries for adhering to the 'One China' principle. This is the cornerstone of China's policy, asserting Taiwan as part of its territory.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as the article calls it a 'first time' and a 'dangerous precedent'. Statement 3 is correct as the article details this evolution in China's 'carefully calibrated strategy'.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'In Africa, Eswatini is the only country that recognises Taipei over Beijing.' The other three options are the countries that denied airspace access.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that China is extending its influence into 'operational areas' and 'weaponising the airspace', which raises concerns about the 'weaponisation of global goods meant to remain neutral'. This is the core strategic shift highlighted, not an imminent invasion or total failure of Taiwan's aid.

Explanation

The UN Security Council has 5 permanent members (P5): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. They possess veto power over substantive resolutions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article clearly states the attack caused 'no radiation leak'. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions 'Russia joined other UN Security Council members... to condemn'. Statement 3 is correct as the article describes it as 'the Arab world’s first nuclear power plant'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The unclaimed drone struck an electrical generator on Sunday (May 17, 2026)'. May 19 is the date of the UNSC meeting, and May 20 is the article publication date.

Explanation

The core significance lies in the UNSC's unified stance, as quoted by Russia's ambassador: 'Attacks targeting peaceful nuclear facilities...are categorically unacceptable.' This strengthens a crucial norm of international law and security, even amidst geopolitical divisions.

Explanation

The article states that the Union Power Ministry informed about the record peak power demand being met. The Ministry of Power is the nodal agency for matters related to power generation, transmission, and distribution in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the record was met at 3:40 p.m. on May 19, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because thermal power (61.5%) had the highest share, not solar (22%). Statement 3 is correct as the article states India has an installed capacity of more than 538 GW.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that thermal power accounted for 61.5% of the power generated at the peak hour. 22% was the share of solar power, making it a close distractor. The other figures are not mentioned in the context of the peak hour mix.

Explanation

The Power Ministry is quoted saying the capacity is due to 'sustained focus on generation, transmission and distribution over the past few years.' This highlights a long-term, structural effort rather than a one-off event or external dependency.

Explanation

The CRPF is a central armed police force that operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The MHA is responsible for internal security, police, and central armed police forces in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the HC acquitted the accused citing a lack of evidence. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions UAPA was not invoked. Statement 3 is correct as the attack occurred during the TCOC, an annual Maoist campaign.

Explanation

The article states that 75 personnel of the CRPF's 62nd battalion and one policeman of the district force were killed, totaling 76 security personnel.

Explanation

The HC held that there was incomplete circumstantial proof, procedural lapses in investigation, and a failure to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the acquittal.

Explanation

The article refers to the 'Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports'. Such departmental standing committees scrutinize the work of specific ministries. Since the committee's name includes 'Education', it is linked to the Ministry of Education.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says 'of the 14 competitive examinations... at least five faced major issues', not all. Statement 3 is incorrect; the TN panel recommended amending Article 343 to entrench English, not Hindi, as the permanent official language.

Explanation

The article states: 'the NTA collected an estimated ₹3,512.98 crore while it has spent ₹3,064.77 crore... thereby creating a surplus of Rs 448 crore in the last six years'. ₹3,512 crore is the total collection, and ₹3,064 crore is the total expenditure. The difference is the surplus of ₹448 crore.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the panel targeted 'the overcentralisation of the NEET exam leading to states having no say in admissions to colleges established, funded and administered by them, seeing this as the most aggressive intervention in the federal educational space'. This is the core federal issue highlighted.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as the source of recent data on rising night temperatures. The IMD, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is the nodal agency for weather forecasting and declaring heatwaves based on specific temperature criteria.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the coldest night could rise by 5.5°C vs. 4.7°C for the warmest day. Statement 2 is incorrect: The urban heat island effect is amplified by concrete, roads, bricks, metal, and lack of green spaces, not solely industrial emissions. Statement 3 is correct: The Climate Trends study in Chennai noted night-time temperatures sometimes exceeded 35°C.

Explanation

The article clearly states, "India’s average temperature has increased by about 0.7° Celsius between 1901 and 2018, according to the 2020 comprehensive climate change assessment over the Indian region." The other options are plausible distractors based on other climate reports.

Explanation

The core argument of the article is that cooler nights allow for physiological recovery. When nights are warm, the body faces prolonged heat stress without relief, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and mortality. This is a direct health impact, distinct from infrastructural or agricultural concerns.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as one of the key India-led initiatives in which Italy and India are collaborating. The ISA was launched by India and France in 2015.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states the trade target is €20 billion by 2029, not 2030. Statement 2 is correct as the article details collaboration on AI based on Italy's 'algor-ethics' and India's 'MANAV'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions intentions to strengthen cooperation in sectors like defense and security, including securing maritime routes and combating cybercrime.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "We want to reach and exceed the €20 billion target for trade between Italy and India by 2029." The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article describes IMEC as "a vision aimed at connecting our regions through modern transport and infrastructure, digital networks, energy systems, and resilient supply chains." The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Maharashtra government signed the MoUs on May 19, 2026. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and State Energy Minister Atul Save were mentioned as being involved.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; Reliance Industries and Lalitpur Power Generation Company each invested ₹2 lakh crore, which is higher than Adani's ₹1.5 lakh crore. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the MoUs align with PM Modi's goal for an energy-rich nation and zero carbon emissions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the MoUs are for generating 25,400 MW of nuclear power. The other options are close distractors not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the investment in clean energy will 'strengthen the country to become an energy-rich nation'. This is the overarching objective mentioned. While reducing dependence on fossil fuels is implied, the stated primary goal is national energy security and richness.

Explanation

The article states the programme is supported by iDEX and the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) under the Ministry of Defence. DIO is the nodal body for managing such innovation challenges.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The contract is from the Indian Navy, not the Army. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's definition of ADITI. Statement 3 is incorrect: HPM systems are non-kinetic, designed to disable electronics, not cause physical destruction.

Explanation

The article's title and content explicitly mention that the contract was awarded under the 'ADITI 3.0' innovation framework. The other options are different versions or unrelated schemes.

Explanation

The article states that HPM systems are 'one of the few practical approaches to countering swarms of drones' by disabling their electronics non-kinetically. This is their highlighted tactical advantage in modern threat environments.

Explanation

As per the article, the BCCI is a society registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975. This registration gives it legal recognition but does not confer statutory status.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 2026 CIC order explicitly ruled that BCCI is NOT a public authority, overturning an earlier 2018 CIC order. Statement 3 is correct as per the details of the 2025 Act provided in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Law Commission, in its 275th report in 2018, recommended that sports bodies performing public functions be brought within the ambit of the RTI Act. This is a precise factual takeaway.

Explanation

The article explains that the CIC rejected the argument that the use of government-owned stadiums or police deployment amounts to 'substantial financing'. It held that such benefits are incidental and available to many entities, and substantial financing means funding so significant that the body would struggle to exist without it.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested the 10th accused in the NEET UG paper leak case. The CBI is the premier investigating agency of the Central Government.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article quotes a vice-principal stating the Maharashtra state board syllabus is adequate for CET but NOT for JEE and NEET, for which the NCERT syllabus is followed. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's quote from the NEP 2020. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article says biometric attendance was mandated in specific regions in 2018 but has not been implemented strictly even in top colleges, defeating its purpose.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Maharashtra government has announced that by the 2028-29 academic year, the current state board syllabus will be phased out and an NCERT-based syllabus will be introduced.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that coaching institutes do not offer adequate practical experience in laboratories, nor do they focus on cultural events, sports, or activities like NCC/NSS. This leads to a deficit in practical and socio-emotional development, which is a core negative consequence highlighted.

Explanation

The article states that MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) along with NHAI is responsible for National Highways. This is a static GK fact; MoRTH is the nodal ministry for road transport, highways, and related infrastructure.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's headline and content. Statement 2 is correct: the article mentions three stretches (Ashram-Badarpur, Haryana-Delhi border-Punjabi Bagh, Mehrauli-Delhi-Haryana border) handed over for development. Statement 3 is correct: Gadkari said PPPAC approval for the Shiv Murti tunnel has been received.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "A Delhi traffic police survey in March 2024 identified congestion at 134 location or stretches." 128 refers to bad-conditioned/potholed roads, 97 refers to damaged/encroached footpaths, and 186 is the total km of new projects.

Explanation

The article states: "one of them is to divert the cargo vehicles that are not destined for Delhi" and "These highways projects for decongestion are essentially a transit route for the cargo and other vehicles to other states without entering in the city." The other options are not mentioned as core strategies of this NHAI plan.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the talks highlighted the growing convergence between India's Act East Policy and South Korea's regional strategic vision. 'Look East Policy' was its predecessor.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the MoUs were on Self-Propelled air defence systems and directed energy weapon systems, not submarine and ballistic missile systems. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions deliberations on a roadmap for KIND-X.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Two significant MoUs have been signed on future-oriented projects on self-propelled air defence systems, directed energy weapon systems.'

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that 'Both projects have a strong "Make in India" focus.' While other options might be indirect outcomes, the primary emphasis stated is on the 'Make in India' initiative.

Explanation

As mentioned in the static GK linkage, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian organization established in 2001 with a primary focus on regional security, counter-terrorism, and defence cooperation among its member states.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the talks came days after U.S. President Donald Trump visited China. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states China imports nearly 90% of Iranian oil. Statement 3 is incorrect: The treaty was signed 25 years ago, not 20.

Explanation

In his video message ahead of the visit, President Putin noted that bilateral trade had crossed $200 billion. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly quotes President Xi stating that "An early end to the conflict will help ease disruptions to energy supplies, industrial and supply chains, and the international trade order." This directly links regional stability to global economic security.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Indian companies showcased indigenous equipment and innovations under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative during the exercise. While 'Make in India' is related, the specific policy mentioned in the context of defence self-reliance in the article is Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as PRAGATI 2026 is a multilateral exercise involving 13 nations (India + 12), not a bilateral one with the US. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's focus on counter-terrorism in specified terrain. Statement 3 is correct as it lists 12 friendly nations from the IOR as participants.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that 'The two-week exercise will focus on counter-terrorism operations...'. Therefore, the correct duration is two weeks. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states that objectives include enabling seamless coordination, identifying common areas of cooperation, and establishing an institutionalised mechanism for exchanging best practices. While defence exports and specific geopolitical actions might be indirect outcomes, the stated primary objective from the article is building cooperative institutional frameworks.

Explanation

The article states, 'The European Commission can also suspend tariff preferences by the end of this year...' This aligns with the Commission's role as the EU's executive body responsible for implementing trade policy and managing agreements.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The sunset clause was pushed to the end of 2029, not March 2028. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's opening. Statement 3 is correct, as the article mentions 'an annual exchange of $2 trillion in goods and services.'

Explanation

The article explicitly states that President Trump is determined 'to reduce the goods trade deficit with the bloc of more than $200 billion.' The other options are plausible distractors but are not the figure mentioned in the source text.

Explanation

The sunset clause, which terminates the deal at the end of 2029 unless renewed, is a strategic tool. It does not automatically increase tariffs (A) nor make the deal permanent (B). Its purpose, inferred from the context of threats and suspension provisions, is to create a condition where the agreement must be periodically reaffirmed, ensuring continued mutual benefit and reciprocity.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the nodal agency for conducting India's foreign relations and diplomatic engagements, including the establishment and management of strategic partnerships with other countries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as bilateral trade in 2025 was €14.25 billion, not €15 billion. Statement 2 is incorrect; Italy is India's fourth-largest trading partner in the EU, not the third. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article regarding the review of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the bilateral trade between India and Italy reached €14.25 billion in 2025. The other options are plausible distractors but are not the correct figure mentioned.

Explanation

The article emphasizes enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, and new technologies like AI and space, along with setting a concrete trade target. While geopolitical factors exist, the explicitly stated objectives in the news focus on economic and technological deepening.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Ebrahim Azizi, the Head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee, made the announcement about the professional mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states it carries one-fifth (20%), not one-third. Statement 3 is incorrect; Bab-el-Mandeb means 'Gate of Tears', not 'Gate of Grief'. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

Explanation

The article directly quotes USEIA data, stating the Strait of Hormuz is 'the sole maritime gateway for one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies'.

Explanation

The article's core analysis is that such developments 'have exposed the Achilles' heel of global trade – the critical chokepoints that connect the world’s chief maritime mercantile routes.' The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the ULPGM missile has been developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, as the nodal lab.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the missile was tested in both modes. Statement 2 is incorrect as production involves two agencies: Bharat Dynamics Limited AND Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Limited. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article specifically states DRDO has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Limited for production.

Explanation

The article quotes Defence Minister Rajnath Singh terming it "a strategic milestone achieved towards Aatmanirbharta in Defence." This is the explicitly stated primary significance.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the 'Jal Shakti and the Environment, Forest and Climate Change ministries filed a joint affidavit on behalf of the Union Government.'

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the Centre's affidavit. Statement 2 is correct as the affidavit lists seven specific projects. Statement 3 is incorrect; the decision was based on inter-ministerial consultations and revisiting multiple committee reports, including the 2020 BP Das committee report, not solely the 2014 Ravi Chopra committee.

Explanation

The seven permitted projects are Tehri Stage-II (1000 MW), Tapovan Vishnugad (520 MW), Vishnugad Pipalkoti (444 MW), Signoli Bhatwari (99 MW), Phata Byung (76 MW), Madhmaheshwar (15 MW) and Kaliganga-II (4.5 MW). Summing these gives approximately 2159.5 MW.

Explanation

The affidavit highlights the 'geological and ecological integrity' of the basins, their location in Seismic Zones IV & V, disaster history, and the need to maintain the river's environmental flow and biodiversity. Financial, international, or local company concerns are not cited as the primary rationale.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the ECI is an autonomous constitutional authority under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. Article 326 deals with elections to the Houses of Parliament and state legislatures based on adult suffrage.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the right to vote is NOT a Fundamental Right (Part III). Statement 2 is incorrect as the US Constitution has no explicit provision granting the right to vote; it uses negative amendments. Statement 3 is correct as per the article, which cites the PUCL case (2003) where Justice P V Reddy observed it as a constitutional right.

Explanation

The article states that more than a quarter (26 per cent) of eligible American voters remain unregistered. This is contrasted with state-driven models like India's where registration is over 95%.

Explanation

The article clearly states India's ECI under Article 324 provides a uniform command structure. In contrast, the US Constitution leaves election administration to states, resulting in over 50 state frameworks and 3,000 county-level bodies with varying rules.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the MoU will be signed between India's Ministry of Defence and South Korea's Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. This is a specific institutional fact from the news.

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are directly mentioned in the article. Statement 3 is incorrect as the article states India dispatched 627 medical personnel (the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance) as a medical support nation, not a combat infantry brigade.

Explanation

The article provides the specific figure: "India dispatched 627 medical personnel from the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance." The other numbers are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article quotes the Defence Minister saying the KIND-X initiative aims "to synergise the innovation ecosystems of the two countries." This is the core objective mentioned. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article's byline explicitly states that Vinod Mathur is the 'former chairperson, National Biodiversity Authority of India'. This is a direct factual extraction from the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article defines HFF as a 'market-linked agroforestry approach' with voluntary farmer participation. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article warns against 'monocultural plantations' and advocates for science-based, mixed-species systems. Statement 3 is correct as the article clearly states 'HFF is not a substitute for cleaner mobility systems... it must complement them.'

Explanation

The article states: 'India imports nearly Rs 70,000 crore worth of wood and wood products annually.' This is a direct data point. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly links HFF to reducing India's 'import dependence' on wood, valued at ₹70,000 crore annually, and strengthening domestic timber industries in line with 'Make in India'. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is the nodal agency responsible for all nuclear energy policy, research, and power generation in India. The SHANTI Act is a legislative framework governing this sector.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: India is doubling down on PHWRs. Statement 2 is incorrect: India finds LWRs costly and is not prioritizing them; collaboration is sought mainly for SMRs. Statement 3 is correct: The SHANTI Act replaced the two mentioned laws.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "In December last year, Parliament passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025." The article is from 2026, referring to the previous year.

Explanation

The article directly states: "The problem with LWRs, from an Indian perspective, is high project costs, which translate into a high per-unit cost of power." This economic concern is a key driver for focusing on indigenous PHWRs.

Explanation

The UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee is established and administered by the United Nations Security Council. The UNSC has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, which includes imposing sanctions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: INNOVIT India is an innovation hub located in India, not Italy. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect: While a 'Dialogue on Maritime Security' was launched, the call for freedom of navigation was for the Strait of Hormuz, not the Strait of Malacca.

Explanation

The joint statement explicitly mentions that the two leaders "strongly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack". The other options, while referring to past terror attacks in India, are not mentioned in this specific article.

Explanation

The article states that the trilateral initiatives in Africa are "in line with India’s development partnership in Africa and Italy’s Mattei Plan." This indicates the objective is to align and synergize their respective development frameworks for collaborative projects, not for military or monetary union purposes.

Explanation

Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution explicitly states that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act. The Gujarat HC judgment directly relied on this provision to quash the retrospective application of the 2023 Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the offense dated back to 2017, not 2012 (the 2012 reference was for a different case). Statement 2 is incorrect as the court explicitly noted the Act had NO provision for retrospective effect. Statement 3 is correct as the judgment did invoke this maxim.

Explanation

The article clearly states the examination for the post of Junior Clerk was conducted on February 12, 2017. The year 2012 is a distractor mentioned for a similar alleged offense in a different context. The Act was passed in 2023.

Explanation

The core legal ground was the violation of Article 20(1), which prohibits ex post facto laws. While delays and procedural issues were noted, the judgment's central reasoning was the unconstitutional retrospective application of the penal law. This tests understanding of the hierarchy of legal principles.

Explanation

The term 'Thucydides' Trap' was popularized by political scientist Graham Allison to describe the potential for conflict when a rising power challenges an established one. While the historical reference is to Thucydides, the modern analytical framework is credited to Allison's work.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article, which states China sees these events as signs of Western decline. Statement 2 is incorrect; the GDI is about 'balanced, coordinated, and inclusive' development, while the 'common, comprehensive...' phrase describes the Global Security Initiative (GSI). Statement 3 is directly mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "U.S. President Donald Trump completed his visit to the People’s Republic of China(PRC) on May 14 and 15, 2026, a first in nine years." This is a precise data point for factual recall.

Explanation

The article states that for countries like India, increased power rivalry makes life more difficult, leading to challenges like trade wars, supply chain issues, and strategic instability. The previous phase of 'managed competition' allowed for easier hedging, which is now more complex.