21 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed the FIR regarding the arrest of the foreign nationals. The NIA is India's premier central agency for investigating terror-related cases across the country.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the Strait of Hormuz is the transit for a fifth (20%) of global energy supplies. Statement 2 is incorrect: Article 5 was invoked only once after the 9/11 attacks (2001), not during the Iraq War. Statement 3 is correct: the article states India's long-term average oil import via Hormuz is 40% and LNG import is 60%. Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article provides specific data on India's fuel dependence: "LPG: A staggering 90 per cent for LPG..." This high dependency highlights India's vulnerability to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Explanation

The article states Iran has 'effectively blocked all trade along this channel – targeting vessels and vowing that not one litre of oil would be exported – driving up global fuel prices.' This indicates the blockade is a strategic wartime measure to inflict economic pain globally, not primarily for its own export safety or to lift sanctions.

Explanation

The M.C. Mehta case is a landmark where the Supreme Court expanded the interpretation of Article 21 to include the right to a wholesome environment, clean air, and water. This linkage forms the bedrock of environmental jurisprudence in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The case was Writ Petition (Civil) No. 13029 of 1985, a PIL filed by M.C. Mehta regarding air pollution from vehicles and industries in Delhi. Statement 2 is incorrect: The case is famous for establishing the 'absolute liability' principle (from the oleum gas leak) and the tool of 'continuing mandamus'. The 'precautionary principle' was notably established in the Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum case. Statement 3 is correct: The article states the bench headed by CJI Surya Kant disposed of the petition on March 12, 2026, to reduce pendency.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Public Interest Litigation was filed in 1985. It was filed after the oleum gas leak incident of December 1985. The case was kept pending for monitoring for nearly four decades before its closure in 2026.

Explanation

The article highlights that the case's 'pending for monitoring' status evolved into the novel judicial tool of 'continuing mandamus'. Unlike a standard order that closes a case, this allows a court to keep a case open indefinitely and issue periodic directions to monitor executive compliance, which was used extensively in this PIL.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Delhi High Court restored the public interest litigation (PIL) on March 20, 2026. The bench comprised Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the 2018 SC judgment decriminalized only consensual same-sex relations among adults, but Section 377 continued to apply to non-consensual acts, offences against minors, and bestiality. Statement 3 is the core argument of the PIL as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states: 'The direction for consideration and taking a decision on the representation was issued by the court on August 28, 2024.' This is the date when the PIL was initially disposed of. March 20, 2026, is when it was restored.

Explanation

The article's central argument is that the BNS does not contain a provision equivalent to Section 377 of the IPC, which continued to apply to non-consensual acts after the 2018 SC verdict. This omission is highlighted as a 'legal lacuna' leaving victims without a specific criminal remedy.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the cadre controlling authority of both CAPFs and the IPS. This is a standard static GK fact related to India's security and administrative structure.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states that all posts in the rank of Special Director General and Director General shall be filled by IPS officers. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Bill seeks to NEGATE the SC judgment, not implement it. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions that the Bill's statement of objects refers to Article 312, under which IPS is an All India Service.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Bill proposes at least 67% of posts in the rank of Additional Director General shall be filled by IPS officers. The other percentages are distractors: 50% is for Inspector General posts, and 100% is for Special DG/DG posts.

Explanation

The article quotes the Bill stating that CAPFs perform functions in close coordination with State authorities, and 'in the interest of maintaining Centre-State relationship, the IPS officers are necessary for effective functioning of these forces.' The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article states the petitioner challenged a provision in the Maternity Benefit Act, which has been recently replaced by the Code on Social Security. The case centered on the maternity leave entitlement for adoptive mothers under this specific act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly says the Court recognised maternity leave as a basic human right. Statement 2 is incorrect because the entitlement is for 12 weeks, not 26 weeks. Statement 3 is incorrect as the struck-down restriction was for children less than three months old, not one year.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Supreme Court ruled adoptive mothers are entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave. The other options are common durations for maternity/paternity leave in other contexts but are not the correct figure from this specific judgment.

Explanation

The article quotes the Court saying "the emotional bond with the child has to be consciously nurtured through time, presence and sustained caregiving" and that "It is not biology that constitutes a family... rather, it is the shared meaning, responsibility, and emotional bonds." This is the core philosophical rationale presented in the judgment.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the FAO supported the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India, in developing protocols for certified Quality Planting Material (QPM). This ministry oversees agricultural development, including agroforestry initiatives.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the FAO 2020 report states forests support over 1.6 billion people, not 1.8 billion. Statement 3 is incorrect; the GCF programme focuses on small and marginal farmers, women farmers, and tribal communities, not large-scale commercial farmers.

Explanation

The article directly mentions that forest and tree cover spans 25.17% of India's geographical area, according to the India State of Forest Report 2023. The other options are plausible distractors based on figures from previous years' reports.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that agroforestry is identified as a key adaptation strategy for small and marginal farmers, women, and tribal communities. The programme undertakes cost-benefit analysis to ensure tree-based farming becomes a practical and sustainable livelihood option for these vulnerable groups.

Explanation

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made the comments regarding unsanctioning Iranian oil on Fox Business Network, as mentioned in the article. The Treasury Department handles economic and financial sanctions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Strait of Hormuz accounts for one-fifth (20%), not one-third, of global oil and LNG flows. Statement 3 is correct as per the tanker data from Kpler mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Strait of Hormuz 'accounts for one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows.' One-fifth is equivalent to 20%.

Explanation

The article states that India halted imports after May 2019 'after the expiration of the sanctions waiver that the US had provided to major buyers of Iranian oil.' Non-compliance would have made Indian companies vulnerable to US secondary sanctions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Taragiri' is the third one built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Ltd (MDL). MDL is a leading defense shipyard in Mumbai responsible for major naval projects.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as 'Taragiri' is the fourth ship of Nilgiri-class (Project 17A). Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states it is driven by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plant, not IEP. Statement 3 is correct as it was delivered on November 28 last year (2025).

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that the indigenous content of the ship exceeds 75%. This is a key data point highlighting the success of the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in defense manufacturing.

Explanation

While the ship has a flexible mission profile, the article emphasizes its role as a 'premier hunter of the seas' and a guardian of maritime frontiers. Its advanced weapon suite and stealth features are primarily for high-intensity combat and securing India's strategic interests in the maritime domain.

Explanation

Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy states that 'The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.' This is the constitutional basis for the UCC debate.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states Gujarat will be the third state, after Goa and Uttarakhand. Statement 2 is incorrect as the article explicitly mentions the Bill outlaws both polygamy and nikah-halala. Statement 3 is correct as per the article's mention of mandates for marriage registration and recognition of live-in relationships.

Explanation

The article states that these communities 'together constitute approximately 12 per cent of the state’s population.' This is a key demographic data point for understanding the scale of impact.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that the Bill 'selectively cut, copied, and pasted existing laws' like the Hindu Marriage Act and Uttarakhand UCC, missing the opportunity for deeper reform of issues like restitution of conjugal rights and simplification of colonial laws.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The CPHEEO is an organization under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.' This is a direct static fact from the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; CPHEEO will scrutinize only projects costing ₹100 crore and above. Statement 3 is correct as it is one of the four mandatory compliance requirements mentioned. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'The scheme will now have an overall outlay of ₹8.70 lakh crore till 2028.' ₹1.51 lakh crore is the additional outlay, and ₹3.59 lakh crore is the Centre's total share. ₹10.21 lakh crore is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article's context is 'massive cost escalation in Phase 1'. The move to scrutinize high-cost projects by CPHEEO is explicitly a 'cost rationalisation exercise' aimed at preventing similar financial issues before releasing funds.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the 'general license' was issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury. OFAC is the primary agency responsible for administering and enforcing US economic and trade sanctions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the waiver is 'narrowly tailored' and applies only to Iranian crude oil already loaded on vessels (on water) as of a specific time on March 20, 2026, not to all transactions. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the article: US Treasury Secretary stated the move will bring ~140 million barrels to market, and the general license authorizes transactions for oil loaded as of March 20.

Explanation

The article states that the Strait of Hormuz 'accounted for one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows.' One-fifth is equivalent to 20%. This is a key data point highlighting the strategic importance of this maritime chokepoint.

Explanation

The article quotes an analyst stating that 'Key considerations for Indian refiners to tap into Iranian barrels would primarily include the scope and durability of sanctions relief, pricing structure, and the availability of payment, insurance, and logistics mechanisms.' These are practical commercial and regulatory hurdles that need resolution.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), as the speaker on the topic of district-level data. MoSPI is the nodal agency for official statistics in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states districts were categorized based on progress across social, education, health, infrastructure, etc. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Gokhale Institute is the knowledge partner, while the State Statistics Department is the data partner. Statement 3 is correct as the CM linked district-level balance to the goal of a five trillion-dollar economy by 2047.

Explanation

The article clearly states that Maharashtra's GSDP size is at ₹51 lakh crore and is poised to accelerate to ₹54 lakh crore. The other options are close distractors; ₹54 lakh crore is the projected acceleration, not the current size.

Explanation

The core objective emphasized by the Chief Minister is achieving 'regional balance' and ensuring development 'percolates to the grassroots'. The report focuses on backward districts and talukas to address mismatches, which is essential for the state's broader trillion-dollar and five-trillion-dollar economy goals. The other options, while related to economic growth, are not the primary focus of this district-level index.

Explanation

Sector-specific industrial clusters or parks are designed to concentrate similar industries in one area. This creates economies of scale, allows for the development of shared specialized infrastructure (like common effluent treatment plants for pharma), and fosters a pool of skilled labor, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of that sector.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states: "Uttar Pradesh has received investment proposals worth more than Rs 50 lakh crore". Statement 2 is correct: "through four ceremonies, projects worth Rs 15 lakh crore have already been implemented". Statement 3 is incorrect; the article mentions that "About 55 per cent of expressways in the country are in Uttar Pradesh", not the railway network. This is a classic examiner trap swapping 'expressways' for 'railway network'.

Explanation

The article's headline and opening sentence clearly state that the state is preparing for the fifth groundbreaking ceremony to launch new projects worth "Rs 7.5 lakh crore". ₹15 lakh crore is the value of projects already implemented from previous ceremonies, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article explicitly links this deregulation move to "making business operations simpler". Reducing regulatory hurdles and decriminalizing minor procedural lapses is a key component of improving the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) ranking, which attracts investment. While reducing judicial workload might be a secondary effect, the primary objective is to create a business-friendly environment.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Punjab and Haryana High Court held that a mother-in-law qualifies as a 'near relative'. The judgment was delivered by Justice Jagmohan Bansal of that court.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court did NOT rule that a mother-in-law is included in the statutory definition. It interpreted the definition purposively to include her for swap donations, acknowledging she is not in the original list. Statement 2 is incorrect as the court argued that 'means' does not automatically make the list closed and allowed a purposive interpretation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the court emphasized a broad, purpose-driven interpretation of Section 9(3-A) to enable life-saving swaps, not a narrow one.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that Section 9(3-A) and Rule 7(4) of the 2014 Rules permit swap donations only if donors are near relatives of their respective intended recipients. Section 2(i) defines 'near relative'. Section 9(3) deals with donations from non-near relatives.

Explanation

The court emphasized that a narrow reading would frustrate the Act's life-saving purpose, especially in the context of modern urban nuclear families with fewer traditional relatives available or fit to donate. The judgment aimed to prevent prolonged suffering and avoidable loss of life over technicalities, as stated in the article.

Explanation

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is the designated agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, to investigate offences of money laundering under the PMLA, 2002. The article mentions ED issuing the provisional attachment order under PMLA.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states ED's attachment is worth over ₹22,000 crore, the highest in a single case. Statement 2 is incorrect because the CBI FIR was registered in 2014, not 2016. Statement 3 is correct as per the article which mentions the scheme fraudulently mobilized funds for agricultural land development.

Explanation

The article clearly states the ED has issued a provisional order to attach assets valued at Rs 5,046.91 crore. ₹22,656.91 crore is the cumulative attachment so far. ₹48,000 crore is the size of the ponzi scheme, and over ₹60,000 crore is the amount fraudulently mobilized.

Explanation

The Enforcement Directorate derives its power to attach proceeds of crime from the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The article explicitly mentions the provisional order was issued under PMLA. While CrPC and IPC are involved in the predicate offence, the attachment power specifically comes from PMLA.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Punjab Horticulture Department is the nodal agency for AIF implementation in Punjab. This is a specific fact from the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions Punjab leads in sanctioned projects and has a 96% disbursal rate (highest). Statement 2 is correct as it states Punjab is the only non-NDA state among the top five. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly mentions credit guarantee support is through CGTMSE.

Explanation

The article quotes Ravdeep Kaur of the KPMG team stating, "The scheme provides 3 per cent interest subvention on eligible loans." This is a direct data point from the source.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "Launched by the Union government in July 2020, the AIF scheme aims to strengthen post-harvest management infrastructure and build efficient supply chains across the agriculture and horticulture sectors." The other options, while related to agriculture, are not the stated primary objective of AIF.

Explanation

The NHRC is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. It is not a constitutional body. Its powers and functions are derived from this Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the NHRC directive mandates doctors preferably from three different institutions to avoid pressure. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the article: doctors must hold a PG degree in forensic medicine and have at least five years of experience in post-mortem examination.

Explanation

The NHRC directive explicitly mandates that "All doctors doing post-mortem must be holding a postgraduate degree in forensic medicine and must have at least an experience of five years in the specialty of post-mortem examination."

Explanation

As highlighted by the forensic expert in the article, forming a team from three different institutions provides 'cross-institutional oversight' and 'necessary checks and balances.' This aims to prevent influence from senior colleagues within a single institution, ensuring the autopsy report serves as objective, definitive evidence to prove or disprove custodial torture allegations.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the plant was set up and is operated in 'PPP mode' between the Indore Municipal Corporation and Everenviro Resource Management Private Limited. This model shares risks and resources between public and private entities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article clearly states that 50% of the gas fuels buses and the remaining 50% is for domestic purposes. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned by the Project Manager. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The Project Manager, Chandra Prakash Meena, is quoted stating the plant produces 'nearly 21 tonnes of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) per day'. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article connects the project to the geopolitical context of oil security threats in the Gulf, exploring 'how alternative supply reduces dependency on imports'. The other options are either not mentioned (solar independence, phasing out private vehicles) or are secondary benefits (revenue increase).

Explanation

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 is the comprehensive law that specifically mandates inclusive education, non-discrimination, and accessibility in all educational institutions for persons with disabilities, making it directly relevant to the article's context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article provides examples of AI describing images for a visually impaired student and helping with dictation. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article explicitly states AI systems could be stereotypical and biased due to their training data. Statement 3 is correct as the article identifies data collection and surveillance as a key risk.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'one of the persistent difficulties has been enabling such students to participate fully in the classroom.' It gives the example of a visually impaired student relying on a scribe, which was slower and less accurate.

Explanation

The article strongly advocates for a participatory approach, stating 'curricula and syllabi need to be co-designed with disabled students and instructors so that lived experiences can shape more effective learning.' This is presented as a key requirement for ethical and effective implementation.

Explanation

As per the article, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has been instituted as an attached office to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Its mandate is to coordinate a comprehensive, national response to cybercrime complaints.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states 'digital arrest' has NOT been explicitly defined in any law, including the IT Act. Statement 2 is correct: the EC set up tribunals acting on Supreme Court orders and recommendations of Calcutta HC Chief Justice. Statement 3 is correct: the BNSS retains emphasis on embodied due process requiring physical custody and a memo.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Per capita availability dropped from 1,816 cubic metres in 2001 to roughly 1,486 in 2021.' The figure 1,816 cubic metres is for 2001, and 1,000 cubic metres is the projected scarcity threshold by 2050.

Explanation

The 'Do You Know' section under the tribunal news states: 'After the insertion of Articles 323A and 323B, several tribunals... were set up.' While the specific tribunals were set up by the ECI on SC orders, the broader constitutional framework for creating tribunals in India is provided by these articles.

Explanation

As per standard geography, the Strait of Hormuz is the narrow passage that links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. This strategic location makes it vital for global oil shipments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states 'More than 12 million tons of annual LNG export capacity... was wiped out'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly states 'the US Navy... may not readily possess the 'brown water' capabilities necessary'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the attack destroyed capacity that 'supplies Iran's domestic needs and those of Iraq'.

Explanation

The article clearly states that 'More than 12 million tons of annual LNG export capacity — 15% of Qatar's total – was wiped out'. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article explains that the coastal areas have islands and inlets from which guerrillas with missiles, drones, and fast boats could operate, making naval escort insufficient. It contrasts this with the US Navy's strength in 'blue water' (open ocean) but lack of 'brown water' capabilities for such coastal zones.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the First National Report was submitted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). This ministry is the nodal agency for environmental policies and international conventions like the CBD.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement to the CBD and deals with ABS. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Nagoya Protocol was adopted in 2010 and entered into force in 2014. The protocol dealing with biosafety of GMOs is the Cartagena Protocol (2003). Statement 3 is correct: As per the article, the Nagoya Protocol mechanism requires provider countries to give access and user agencies to share benefits.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the report covers the period from 1 November 2017 to 31 December of last year (i.e., 2025). The other options are incorrect dates not mentioned in the content.

Explanation

As described in the article, the Nagoya Protocol specifically deals with the commercial utilization of biological and genetic resources and ensures fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use. Option A describes the Cartagena Protocol. Option C describes broader CBD goals. Option D describes the CITES agreement.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 2019 that the UK's original separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius was illegal. The ICJ is the UN's principal judicial organ for settling disputes between states.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: Iran launched IRBMs at Diego Garcia 4,000 km away. Statement 2 is incorrect; Diego Garcia is about 3,000 km from the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait (Red Sea), not the Strait of Hormuz, and is not within 1,000 km of it. Statement 3 is incorrect; the leaseback period was for 99 years, not 50 years.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that IRBMs have a range of 3,000-5,500 km, bridging the gap between MRBMs (1,000-3,000 km) and ICBMs (exceeding 5,500 km). This is the key technical detail confirming Iran's escalated capability.

Explanation

The core strategic implication, as repeatedly stated, is that the attack revealed Iran's possession of longer-range missiles (IRBMs) and signaled its willingness to escalate the conflict geographically, targeting US interests in the Indian Ocean. The attack was unsuccessful, so it did not degrade infrastructure or close the base, and no UNSC resolution is mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed damage to the site and reported no immediate increase in off-site radiation. The IAEA is the global nuclear watchdog responsible for monitoring nuclear facilities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The FEP is a vast underground facility designed for 50,000 centrifuges. Statement 2 is incorrect: The PFEP enriched uranium up to 60%, not above 90% (weapons-grade). Statement 3 is correct: The IAEA reported no immediate increase in off-site radiation. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The PFEP had two interconnected full-size cascades... and enriched uranium to up to 60%.' Enrichment to 90%+ is considered weapons-grade, which was not achieved at Natanz as per this report.

Explanation

The article explains that nuclear facilities store radioactive substances, including uranium in gaseous form (uranium hexafluoride - UF6) and dust. An attack can damage the containment mechanisms, allowing these harmful radioactive materials to escape into the environment, posing health risks.