21 June 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Supreme Court held that the right to walk safely on demarcated footpaths is a fundamental right flowing from Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty), not Article 19(1)(d) (Right to Move Freely).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article gives exact figures. Statement 2 is correct: overall road fatalities increased by 21.24%. Statement 3 is false: the Court criticised the Motor Vehicles Act for not recognising or prioritising pedestrian rights.

Explanation

The article states that 36,526 people were killed while walking on roads in 2024, up from 13,894 in 2015 – a 163% surge.

Explanation

The SC ruled that the right to walk safely on footpaths is a fundamental right and must take precedence over the movement of motor vehicles. This implies urban planning must prioritise walkers, not vehicle speed.

Explanation

The MoU explicitly states that both sides agreed to downblend Iran's enriched material under the supervision of the IAEA. The IAEA is the UN's nuclear watchdog responsible for verifying compliance with non-proliferation safeguards.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the MoU ended a 40-day war, and Iran pledged never to make a nuclear weapon. Statement 2 is incorrect: the unfreezing of funds is contingent on progress in the second phase of talks, not immediate. The exact amount demanded is $24 billion but is not guaranteed. Statement 3 is correct: Israel fears the deal makes Iran conventionally stronger and alters regional balance. Hence option C.

Explanation

The article states that Iran possesses 60% enriched uranium. This is below the 90% weapons-grade threshold but is considered 'a step away' and thus a major point of contention in the negotiations.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Iran called off talks, citing Israel's attacks on Lebanon. This highlights the linkage between the Lebanon-Hezbollah situation and the broader U.S.-Iran peace process, making Lebanon a persistent flashpoint.

Explanation

As per the article, MoSPI releases the CPI. The WPI is released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This distinction is crucial for prelims questions on inflation indices.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: GDP base year was updated to 2022-23. Statement 2 is incorrect: PPI will replace WPI in five years, not immediately. Statement 3 is correct: IIP coverage expanded to include gas, water, and waste management. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

According to the article, the revised IIP basket consists of 1,042 products mapped to 463 item groups, up from 839 products in the previous series. 957 is the new number of items in WPI, and 839 was the old IIP count.

Explanation

The article states that the double deflator method 'adjusts input and output prices separately, providing a much more accurate picture of the impact of price changes.' This is currently used for agriculture and manufacturing and will be extended to other sectors.

Explanation

The article specifically states that the vessels were built by Kolkata-based Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE). The other options are also Indian defence PSUs but are located in Mumbai, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam respectively.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: INS Dunagiri is a stealth frigate. Statement 2 is correct: INS Sanshodhak is a survey vessel. Statement 3 is incorrect: INS Agray is an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow water craft, not an aircraft carrier. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that these platforms have indigenous content exceeding 75%. The other options are close distractors; 60% and 70% are lower than the stated figure, while 80% is higher than the 'exceeding 75%' threshold.

Explanation

INS Agray is specifically designed for anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters, which is critical for defending coastal installations, ports, and strategic choke points against enemy submarines. Option A relates to blue-water capability (more for frigates/destroyers), C is incorrect as it is not a command ship, and D describes the role of a survey vessel like INS Sanshodhak.

Explanation

BharatNet is implemented by the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications. The scheme aims to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct – BharatNet aims to bridge the digital divide by connecting Gram Panchayats. Statement 2 is incorrect – the active connections were 8.01 lakh, not 18 lakh (which is the target). Statement 3 is correct – the committee noted under-utilisation of funds, with only 48% of Rs 6,500 crore spent.

Explanation

According to the RTI data and government records, out of 1.04 lakh installed Wi-Fi hotspots, only 766 were operational, which is approximately 0.7%. This highlights severe last-mile connectivity issues.

Explanation

The article states that while fibre reaches Gram Panchayats, it often does not extend to homes or community hotspots, leaving the intended users without reliable high-capacity internet. This undermines services like rural e-governance, digital healthcare, and education that require fixed-line broadband capacity.

Explanation

The article states: 'U.S. Central Command disputed Iran's claim that it had once again shuttered the strait and said U.S. forces continued to monitor the situation.' Central Command (CENTCOM) is responsible for the Middle East and Central Asia.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Vance was originally slated to be on ground on June 19 (Friday). Statement 2 is incorrect: President Pezeshkian is not a negotiator; negotiators include parliamentary speaker Qalibaf and FM Araghchi. Statement 3 is correct: the agreement says commercial vessels can pass through the strait without charge for 60 days.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'the vital waterway that transits a fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas.' This equates to 20%.

Explanation

The article states the framework aims at 'curbing Tehran's nuclear programme and building out the fragile interim deal to end the war in Iran.' This is a diplomatic attempt to address both nuclear proliferation and broader conflict.

Explanation

The SHANTI Act 2025 replaces the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010 with a single umbrella law, as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: SMRs have capacity from 30 MWe to 300 MWe. Statement 2 is incorrect – SMRs are viewed as promising for decarbonising energy-intensive sectors (steel, aluminium, cement) via both on-grid and off-grid low-carbon electricity. Statement 3 is correct: light water SMRs are most common and similar to traditional water-cooled plants.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, 'Under the Nuclear Energy mission for Viksit Bharat, India now strives to achieve the target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047.'

Explanation

The article states the SHANTI Act 'effectively allows private sector participation for the setting up a nuclear facility, or to carry out activities for the production, use and disposal of nuclear energy'. This is a major shift from the previous restriction to public sector entities.

Explanation

The article states that Hezbollah is an Iran-backed armed group that rose in Lebanon in the 1980s and operates from southern Lebanon. It is not based in Iran, Syria, or Yemen.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the 14-point US-Iran agreement opens with a call to end fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon. Statement 2 is incorrect: Hezbollah is backed by Iran, not Hamas (Hamas is a Palestinian group). Statement 3 is correct: the article mentions Israel killed Hezbollah's longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah during the period of clashes. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Lebanon’s health ministry says more than 4,000 people have died in the Israeli campaign since early March.' The other options are close distractors but not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article notes that Iran's military briefly shut the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical waterway for oil tankers. Its closure threatens global energy supplies and raises oil prices, affecting economies like India. The other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, headed by the Commerce and Industry Minister, is the nodal ministry for India's trade negotiations, including FTAs. The article mentions Piyush Goyal as the Commerce and Industry Minister announcing the FTA timeline.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the pact will be signed by December and implemented by Feb-Mar next year. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states about 93% (not 100%) of Indian shipments will enjoy duty-free access. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions India and the EU account for 25% of global GDP.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'about 93% of Indian shipments will enjoy duty-free access to the 27-nation bloc'. The other options are close distractors: 90% and 95% are plausible but incorrect, while 100% is a common exaggeration.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the FTA will open the European market for Indian goods with almost zero duty, benefiting Indian exporters. While cheaper EU imports (luxury cars, wines) are a reciprocal concession, the core benefit for India is the expanded market access for its exports.

Explanation

The USTR is the US agency responsible for trade negotiations and policy. Jamieson Greer is the USTR, and his visit is to finalise the interim trade deal with India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect: the US Supreme Court invalidated the reciprocal tariffs. Statement 3 is correct: the Commerce Ministry official confirmed India made submissions.

Explanation

The article states: 'the USTR in June proposed a 12.5% tariff on 54 countries, including India'. The 18% tariff is from the framework interim deal, not the Section 301 investigation.

Explanation

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated: 'We cannot implement the FTA until we secure a competitive advantage... our duties need to be lower compared to those of competing nations'. This ensures Indian goods are cheaper than competitors' in the US market.

Explanation

As per the article, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, awards GI tags in India. The GI Act was enacted in 1999 and came into force in 2003. Darjeeling Tea was the first product to receive the GI tag.

Explanation

The article states that 13.23 lakh connections were commissioned against a target of 18 lakh, but only 8.01 lakh were actively used. That is 8.01/18 = 44.5%, approximately 45%. The other options are distractors: 60% is the active percentage of commissioned connections, not target.

Explanation

All statements are correct as per the article. UNGA approved the proposal on December 11, 2014. Yoga means to unite (Sanskrit). Patanjali is hailed as father of classical yoga. Statement 1 is often confused with PM's speech date (Sept 27, 2014), but the UNGA approval was later.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the policy was to 'find illegal infiltrators and push them back into Bangladesh, and setting up of detention centres for this.' It is a response to the border tensions and illegal migration challenge. Option D is too broad; it specifically targets illegal infiltrators, not all foreign nationals.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the talks are being mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. The other options are common regional mediators but not mentioned in this specific news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per Vance's quoted remarks. Statement 2 is incorrect because the summit was held in Switzerland, not Iran. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions nuclear talks and Strait of Hormuz reopening as key agenda. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article includes a photo caption stating Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shook hands with Switzerland’s Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. The other options are high-ranking Iranian officials but were not present at this summit as per the news.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the negotiations are over Tehran’s nuclear programme and other sticking points, including keeping the fragile interim deal active and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Option A, C, D are not mentioned or are too broad.

Explanation

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is the nodal ministry responsible for implementation of the IT Act, including Section 69A blocking orders. The article mentions that MeitY issued the order on June 16, 2026, after receiving a complaint from the National Testing Agency.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Section 69A permits blocking for public order among other grounds. Statement 2 is incorrect: The court applied the proportionality test from Anuradha Bhasin v. UoI (2020), not X Corp. Statement 3 is correct: Rule 9 allows the Secretary to issue an emergency interim order without prior hearing, subject to confirmation by a committee. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that MeitY sent Telegram a list of 1,300 URLs, of which the company disabled around 900. The other options are distractors: 900 is the number disabled, not the total referred.

Explanation

The trigger was the NEET-UG re-examination after the original exam was cancelled over a paper leak. The government argued that Telegram was being misused to circulate leaked papers and that blocking the platform was necessary to maintain public order during the re-examination. The court accepted this ground under Section 69A.

Explanation

According to the article, the first summit in 1975 was a Group of Six (US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan). Canada joined in 1976, making it the G7. Russia joined much later (1998) and was later expelled.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The 1973 Yom Kippur War and oil shock prompted the first summit in 1975. Statement 2 is correct: In 1982 the G7 expressed shock at Israel's invasion of Lebanon and supported the UK on the Falklands. Statement 3 is false: In 1990, the G7 used economic pressure to prevent Saddam Hussein from profiting from Kuwait's oil.

Explanation

The article states that 'In 1998, Russia formally joined the grouping, transforming it into G8.' Russia was later expelled after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, G8 expelled Russia reverting the grouping to its earlier avatar of G7.' This was a direct response to violations of international norms.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the Standing Committee on Finance has selected this subject. Other committees are not mentioned in the context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: 7.7% GDP growth was for 2025-26, not 2024-25 (which was 7.1%). Statement 2 is correct per RBI estimate. Statement 3 is correct as the article names Bhartruhari Mahtani as chairperson.

Explanation

The article states '7.8% growth in the January-March quarter'. 7.7% is the annual figure for 2025-26, 7.1% is for 2024-25, and 6.6% is the RBI estimate for current fiscal.

Explanation

The article directly attributes the RBI's estimate of 6.6% growth to 'the ongoing conflict in West Asia pushes up cost of fertiliser and fuel globally', noting India is a net importer of both.

Explanation

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the nodal ministry for all crude oil, LPG, and LNG imports, as well as the management of strategic petroleum reserves (SPR). The other ministries (Finance, External Affairs, Commerce) have advisory roles but do not directly formulate oil import policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: India imported 2.66 million bpd of Russian crude in June (record). Statement 2 is correct: Strait of Hormuz carries ~20% of global oil. Statement 3 is incorrect: LPG was the MOST affected commodity (not least) - the article says 'LPG emerged as the most affected commodity'. Hence only 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'India imported an average of 2.66 million barrels per day of crude oil from Russia in June' (through June 19). 1.91 million bpd was May's figure, 2.52 million bpd was US imports in May, and 6,36,000 bpd was UAE imports in June. The correct answer is 2.66 million bpd.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The purchases underscore India's strategy of diversifying sourcing, with Russian barrels remaining attractive due to discounts and UAE supplies helping offset uncertainty surrounding shipments through the strategic waterway of the Strait of Hormuz.' Option A is partially true (US imports fell) but not the primary objective. Options C and D are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that all three ships were built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. GRSE is a key public sector shipyard under the Ministry of Defence, known for building warships and survey vessels for the Indian Navy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: INS Dunagiri is a Project 17A stealth frigate with BrahMos missiles. Statement 2 is incorrect: INS Sanshodhak is the LAST ship of the Sandhayak-class, not the first. Statement 3 is correct: INS Agray is an Arnala-class ASW SWC. Hence, option C (Both 1 and 3) is correct.

Explanation

The article specifically states that the three ships together have 'more than 75 per cent indigenous content'. The other options (60%, 70%, 80%) are close distractors, but 75% is the exact figure mentioned in the Ministry of Defence's statement.

Explanation

The Navy's statement explicitly says the triple commissioning 'reflects the Navy's balanced approach to capability development, strengthening blue-water operations, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and securing coastal waters'. Options A, C, and D are either incomplete or misrepresent the strategic intent.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan are the two mediating states for the US-Iran talks. Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Turkey are not mentioned as mediators in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Qatar's Foreign Ministry announced the launch. Statement 2 is correct: Qatar stated the talks aim for a 'comprehensive and lasting agreement' and to end the West Asia war. Statement 3 is incorrect: The MoU was signed by the US and Iran, not Qatar and Iran.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions 'the launch of the Lake Lucerne Summit'. While the signboard shows 'Lake Lucerne Summit at the Bürgenstock', the official name is Lake Lucerne Summit. Lake Geneva is a distractor, and Doha is the capital of Qatar.

Explanation

Qatar's Foreign Ministry statement said it hoped the meetings would 'lead to a comprehensive and lasting agreement addressing all aspects covered by the Memorandum of Understanding'. The other options are not mentioned in the article and are not stated objectives.

Explanation

The article states that the United Nations General Assembly established the Global Dialogue on AI and invited every country to participate. The ITU and WEF are involved in AI but not the establishing body for this specific dialogue.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the panel has 40 members. Statement 2 is correct: Prof Ravindran is the lone Indian, appointed for three years. Statement 3 is incorrect: the article explicitly says the panel produces scientific reports and does NOT get into politics or policy – that is the Global Dialogue's role.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that 40 people have been appointed to the panel, including Prof B Ravindran as the lone Indian. The other numbers are plausible distractors.

Explanation

The Trusted AI Commons is described as a repository of various tools needed to develop and deploy AI systems in a safe and responsible manner, including benchmarks, datasets, and protocols. It does not commission new models, impose regulations, or provide funding directly.

Explanation

The article explicitly invokes Kant's Categorical Imperative from 'The Metaphysics of Morals' to argue that suicide treats the self merely as a means to end suffering, which is ethically impermissible because human beings have inherent dignity.

Explanation

Statement 1 is false – Kant argued suicide is ethically impermissible. Statement 2 is correct – the article states 'a person's value cannot be reduced to utility, performance, examination scores, or professional achievements'. Statement 3 is false – the ethics of care emphasizes supportive relationships, not individual strength alone.

Explanation

The article mentions Craig J. Bryan's paper 'Rethinking Suicide: Why Prevention Fails', which argues that despite awareness campaigns, suicide rates have not declined proportionately, and that strengthening relationships and support systems is equally important.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that children should not be seen as competitors in a race for success but as individuals with emotions and vulnerabilities. Ethical parenting requires empathy, patience, and reassurance especially during failure.

Explanation

GRSE is a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, responsible for building warships for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because INS Dunagiri is a stealth frigate, not an ASW shallow water craft (INS Agray is the ASW craft). Statement 2 is correct as INS Sanshodhak is a survey vessel. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the vessels were designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau.

Explanation

The article states that the platforms have indigenous content 'exceeding 75 per cent', meaning the minimum is 75%. The other options are lower or higher than the reported figure.

Explanation

The article highlights multiple benefits: enhanced maritime combat capabilities (stealth frigate, ASW, survey), India's transition to a manufacturer/exporter of defence equipment, and increased employment in eastern India via 200+ MSMEs. Hence all options are correct.

Explanation

The State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) is responsible for preparing and monitoring the annual credit plan for each state. It comprises representatives from all banks operating in the state and is chaired by a senior banker. This is a standard static GK fact linked to banking and state-level financial planning.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per SLBC data: 4 districts corner 88% of the credit plan. Statement 2 is correct based on the RBI quarterly report: 11 districts hold over 50% of bank credit. Statement 3 is incorrect: Vidarbha's 11 districts account for 17.4% and Marathwada's 8 districts for 15% of agriculture credit, totalling about 32.4% — not over 40%. Hence only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation

The article states that the four districts together account for Rs 39.35 lakh crore out of the total state credit plan of Rs 44.76 lakh crore. This is 88% of the total. Option B is Mumbai's individual share, C is the total plan, D is a distractor.

Explanation

Article 371(2) was incorporated to address historical backwardness of Vidarbha and Marathwada. It provides for the creation of separate development boards for Vidarbha, Marathwada, and the rest of Maharashtra, tasked with planning and monitoring equitable development. The credit skew data shows these boards have so far failed in their objective.

Explanation

The article states that 'key mediator Pakistan' and also Qatari mediators were participating. Switzerland was the host country for talks, not a mediator. India is not mentioned.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: article says 'interim deal signed by Mr. Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian'. Statement 2 is correct: 'agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days'. Statement 3 is incorrect: article explicitly says 'Neither Israel nor Hezbollah are signatories to the deal between the US and Iran.'

Explanation

The article quotes Capt. Tim Hawkins of US Central Command saying '55 merchant ships transited Saturday (June 20, 2026) with more than 17 million barrels of oil.'

Explanation

According to a Hezbollah official quoted in the article, Iran informed the group that it won't reopen the strait until Israel announces publicly that it will comply with a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon and end military operations there.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that key mediator Pakistan said talks will begin Sunday (June 21, 2026), with Qatari mediators also participating. Hence, Pakistan is a key mediator.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per Iran's joint military command. Statement 2 is incorrect because the U.S. disputed Iran's announcement, saying traffic continued. Statement 3 is correct as reported by U.S. Central Command. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article quotes Capt. Tim Hawkins of U.S. Central Command stating that 55 merchant ships transited the strait that day. The other options are close distractors but not mentioned in the news.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Iran's joint military command closed the strait due to the U.S.'s 'clear breach of its commitments' by failing to end the war, and because of Israel's attacks in Lebanon. The interim deal requires cessation of hostilities.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the NTCA spearheaded the first successful tiger reintroduction at Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan in 2008. WII assisted in research but NTCA was the lead authority.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article provides the exact figures from AITE 2014 (20%) and 2024 (59.37%). Statement 2 is incorrect: pseudo-melanism causes dense, merged stripes, not completely black coat (that would be true melanism). Statement 3 is correct: the translocation aimed to reverse genetic collapse due to inbreeding.

Explanation

The 2024 AITE recorded that 59.37% of Similipal's tigers showed pseudo-melanism. The other options represent previous years: 37% (approx) from the 2021 PNAS study, 43.75% from 2022 AITE, and 20% from 2014 AITE.

Explanation

The article repeatedly states that Similipal's small, isolated population was suffering from inbreeding and pseudo-melanism. The translocation was a 'necessity' to introduce new genes and restore genetic diversity. Tourism and human-animal conflict are not mentioned as objectives.

Explanation

The news explicitly states that the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) issued the show-cause notice in May 2026 after finding high TDS, BOD, and COD in water samples from the plant's percolation ponds. CPCB is the central body, but state boards handle local enforcement.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: TDS was 1,916–2,450 mg/L. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article mentions the norm as 'not above 1,000 ppm' for percolation ponds; there is no separate 500 ppm limit for ponds. Statement 3 is correct: The plant uses Multiple Effect Evaporator (MEE) and Agitated Thin Film Dryer (ATFD) along with RO for ZLD. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

According to the TNPCB show-cause notice, the TDS range across three samples was 1,916 mg/L to 2,450 mg/L. The maximum value is 2,450 mg/L. Other options appear in the article as farm well readings (1,789 and 1,539 mg/L) or the lower bound of the pond samples (1,916 mg/L).

Explanation

The article mentions farmers reporting low yields (e.g., cucumber crop only ankle-high instead of waist-high), that high TDS 'sucks out all nutrients' from the soil, and that it affects drip lines and borewells. Option C (waterlogging) is not directly caused by TDS; option A (pest attack) is not mentioned; option D (algae) is related to nutrients, not directly TDS. Therefore B is correct.