21 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, which conducts the Census, operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This is a key static GK fact for governance-related questions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The 2027 Census will include caste data for the first time since the 1951 Census (post-Independence). Statement 2 is correct: Census data is constitutionally mandated for delimitation. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Indian Census follows an 'extended de facto' method, not a pure 'de jure' method.

Explanation

The article explicitly cites the Ministry of External Affairs website, stating there are about 1.58 crore NRIs living abroad. This is a key data point with implications for delimitation and representation.

Explanation

The article argues that since NRIs are not counted in the Census but can be registered as voters, states with high emigration (like Kerala) may lose out on Lok Sabha seat allocation during delimitation, which is based on Census population figures. This creates a representational asymmetry.

Explanation

The case name explicitly mentions the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The NIA is India's central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, established after the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states bail was granted after over five years and nine months in custody. Statement 2 is incorrect; the ruling held that the rigours of Section 43-D(5) can 'melt down' when trial is delayed. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly states the judgment disapproved the reasoning in those two cases.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that Syed Iftikhar Andrabi had spent "over five years and nine months in pre-trial custody." This is a key factual detail highlighting the issue of prolonged detention.

Explanation

The article states the judgment reiterated that "the right to personal liberty and a speedy trial cannot be subservient to the provision in Section 43-D(5)." This is a direct application of Article 21 of the Constitution. The ruling does not create an absolute right to bail but establishes a constitutional check on prolonged detention.

Explanation

The article explicitly identifies Vijay Gokhale as a former Foreign Secretary and former Ambassador to China. This is a static linkage to India's diplomatic service structure.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article argues the 1962 war was driven by political objectives (cutting India down as a rival, Mao's domestic comeback) and global context, not primarily territorial aims. Statement 2 is correct as the article states China's fundamental objective is to 'keep India neutral'. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly defines the current phase as 'armed coexistence'.

Explanation

The article states that by 1962, China understood that 'both the U.S. and Soviet Union were now less likely to interfere in any military operation China might launch against India', creating a permissive global environment. This is cited as a key factor alongside domestic politics.

Explanation

The core argument of the article is that 'Beijing has never looked at [India-China relations] that way, and will never look at it that way either' in a purely bilateral context. Therefore, India's foreign policy moves, such as Quad engagement, are interpreted by China within the larger global power struggle, necessitating a strategically aware posture.

Explanation

The Supreme Court explicitly held that the unchecked presence of stray dogs in public institutions poses a direct threat to citizens' right to life and safety under Article 21 of the Constitution. This article guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Court's order specifically focuses on schools, hospitals, transport hubs, etc. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court held that the ABC Rules do NOT mandate the compulsory reintroduction of dogs into sensitive institutional premises. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the two-week deadline for states to identify and secure premises.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Tamil Nadu recorded nearly 2.63 lakh dog-bite cases in the first four months of 2026. The other options are close distractors based on figures for other states or time periods mentioned.

Explanation

The Court performed a harmonious interpretation, holding that sensitive institutional premises cannot be equated with ordinary public streets or open-access localities. It concluded that the statutory scheme does not mandate the compulsory reintroduction of dogs into such secured institutional areas, thereby balancing the ABC Rules with the State's duty under Article 21.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the BNSS replaced the colonial era Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) on July 1, 2024. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Indian Evidence Act are substantive and evidence laws, respectively, not primarily procedural codes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the first proviso to Section 223(1) was 'a substantive right flowing from Article 21'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Supreme Court 'rejected the argument outright' that PMLA is a stand-alone statute overriding BNSS. Statement 3 is correct as the court declared such cognisance 'void ab initio'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'the new criminal laws came into force on July 1, 2024' and that 'BNSS... replaced the colonial era Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) on July 1, 2024'.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Court held the mandatory hearing was 'a substantive right flowing from Article 21 (protection of life and personal liberty) of the Constitution'. This links the procedural safeguard directly to the fundamental right to a fair trial.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central bank and the primary authority responsible for managing the country's foreign exchange reserves, exchange rate policy, and overall Balance of Payments, as outlined in the RBI Act, 1934.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article explicitly states the pressure point is the capital account (drying up of FDI), not the current account. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions India's net FDI is strongly correlated with US 10-Year Treasuries. Statement 3 is correct as oil analysts estimate the CAD could widen close to $100 billion this fiscal.

Explanation

The article states: 'the current account deficit has averaged less than 1 per cent of GDP over the last three years.' This is a key data point highlighting that the current BoP stress is not due to a traditionally large CAD.

Explanation

The article argues that rupee depreciation is necessary but insufficient alone. It strongly advocates for 'capital augmentation measures' as a circuit breaker to attract near-term inflows and change market narrative, forming a dual strategy. It warns that simply squeezing the CAD through 'expenditure compression' could be counterproductive.

Explanation

The article's author is identified as a retired Air Vice Marshal and former Additional Director General of the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS). This is a well-known Indian think tank focusing on air power and strategic studies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article argues drones are evolutionary, not revolutionary, and that the term 'air littoral' is misleading as they operate within the existing air domain. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's description of Operation Sindoor. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions AI integration leading to autonomy and a UN committee examining the ethics.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India is envisaging a nationwide terrestrial and space-based 'Sudarshan Chakra' to be in place by 2035. The other options are plausible distractors for long-term defence projects.

Explanation

The article cites Ukraine's innovative drone strike deep inside Russia (Operation Spider's Web) to illustrate that drone warfare extends the battlefield, creating a new requirement to protect assets located deep within a nation's interior on a continuous basis.

Explanation

The article mentions the India Justice Report, which is published by Tata Trusts in collaboration with other partners. This is a key static GK fact linked to governance and social justice reports.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states policing accounted for over 80% of justice allocations. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clearly states judiciary budgets accounted for less than 1% of total State budgets. Statement 3 is correct as it mentions the current strength is 15 judges per 10 lakh population, below the 1987 Law Commission recommendation of 50.

Explanation

The article provides specific per capita spending figures: ₹450 on judiciary, ₹9 on free legal aid, ₹150 on prisons, and ₹1,500 on the police. This is a direct factual data point for Prelims.

Explanation

The article's core analysis points out that when policing takes the majority of funding, it reveals an architecture structured primarily around enforcement and surveillance, not access, adjudication, or rehabilitation. This is the central implication of the budget imbalance.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) as the entity whose senior official provided project updates. NHSRCL is the special purpose vehicle (SPV) set up to implement high-speed rail projects in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states that 465 km out of 508 km (92%) is viaduct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The casting yard is operated by L&T, not NHSRCL. Statement 3 is correct: The article clearly mentions the target date for the Surat-Bilimora section is August 15, 2027.

Explanation

The article directly quotes a senior NHSRCL official stating, "for the entire project, around 11,500 girders have to be launched to make the 465-km viaduct." The figure 8,500 is the number already launched, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article describes that the white colour on the girders is a chemical compound sprayed for curing. This innovation prevents cracking by retaining moisture and reflecting sunlight, saving "thousands of litres of water" per girder compared to traditional water curing methods.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that CORSIA is 'Administered by the International Civil Aviation Organisation'. ICAO is a UN specialized agency that manages the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article describes the EU ETS cap reducing year by year. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states CORSIA aims for 'carbon-neutral growth' (balancing emissions), while the Paris Agreement mandates 'absolute emission reduction'. Statement 3 is correct as per the criticism quoted from the expert in the article.

Explanation

The article directly states: "In 2023, the International Energy Agency reported that aviation accounted for 2.5% of global energy-related CO2 emissions". This is a precise data point often asked in prelims.

Explanation

The article states: "For the EU, the justification for expanding the EU-ETS is also rooted in 'carbon leakage' — when strict green regulations result in industries relocating to jurisdictions with weaker environmental laws." The other options are either incorrect or describe other mechanisms like CORSIA.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Recent assessments by the Central Electricity Authority indicate that nearly 13 lakh distribution transformers (DTs) fail annually in India.' The CEA is the technical arm of the Ministry of Power, responsible for planning and advising on power systems.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states that while the national grid held up without shortage during solar hours, the non-solar hours saw a deficit of 2% (4,243 MW). Statement 2 is correct as per the line 'Nearly one-third of this peak demand was met through renewable energy (RE) sources.' Statement 3 is correct as per the data showing rates 'touching the regulatory ceiling of ₹ 10 per kilowatt-hour.'

Explanation

The article provides the exact data: 'In the last 5 years, the country’s peak demand has risen by 37% — from 183 GW in December 2020 to over 250 GW in April 2026.' The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article explains that states with high RE capacity 'face steep evening peaks after sunset, for which they need to increasingly depend on energy storage technologies.' While option D is a challenge for Tamil Nadu (mentioned separately), the primary common challenge for solar-rich states is the evening peak when solar generation stops but demand remains high.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the FBI Boston division conducted the investigation and announced the shutdown. The FBI is the primary federal law enforcement and domestic intelligence agency of the United States.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which mentions "tech support scams cost Americans $2.1 billion last year." Statement 2 is incorrect because two US executives (Adam Young and Harrison Gevirtz) were also convicted for operating the business that facilitated the fraud. Statement 3 is correct as the article describes the method: "deceptive pop-up messages that falsely warned computer users... directed to call phone numbers... persuaded to pay hundreds of dollars for unnecessary or fictitious technical-support services."

Explanation

The article specifically states: "residents of Rhode Island alone reported losses of at least $5.7 million." The other figures are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the executives "admitted to operating a business that provided telecommunications-related services... to customers they knew were engaged in tech-support fraud schemes" and "willfully profited from telemarketing and tech support scammers." This underscores the extension of legal liability to those who enable the crime, not just the direct actors.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the multi-hundred-crore chit fund scam involving Micro Finance Limited was probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI is India's premier investigating agency for major inter-state crimes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the SC refused the plea for clubbing FIRs. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court emphasized a victim-centric approach, not accused-centric. Statement 3 is correct as the Bench acknowledged recent amendments reflecting victims' rights. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, heading a three-judge Bench, made the oral remarks. This is a factual detail from the news report.

Explanation

The SC pointed to the severe financial burden on victims, many being small investors from remote regions, who would have to travel long distances if FIRs were clubbed. The court questioned how victims' rights would be protected if such pleas were entertained.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The Moon Base initiative forms a central part of NASA’s broader Artemis Program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon...' The Apollo Program was the historical Moon landing program, while the others are different NASA initiatives.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's detailed breakdown of 25+27+29 launches. Statement 2 is incorrect; the base is planned for the Lunar South Pole, which has harsh lighting conditions, not continuous sunlight. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the initiative is 'laying the groundwork for future crewed missions to Mars.'

Explanation

The article provides the landing numbers for each phase: Phase 1 (21 landings), Phase 2 (24 landings), and Phase 3 (28 landings). Adding these gives 21 + 24 + 28 = 73 landings. 81 is the total number of launches, which is a close distractor.

Explanation

The article specifically details that the Sun remains low on the horizon at the South Pole, 'casting long shadows' and leading to 'an extended period of darkness and extreme cold' which could disrupt solar power and operations. The Moon has no significant atmosphere for dust storms, and while radiation is a challenge, it is not the primary one highlighted in this context.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'Union Health Ministry' issued the advisory. Public health and disease control measures at points of entry are primarily under the mandate of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The screening is targeted at travelers from or transiting through the three specified high-risk countries, not all international travelers. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is correct, as DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan are explicitly named.

Explanation

The article states: 'While most of the symptoms of the disease are like flu... unexplained internal and external bleeding is one of the distinct features of the disease.' The other options are symptoms associated with other illnesses but not highlighted as distinct for Ebola in this article.

Explanation

The advisory is a preventive measure. The article states 'The measures were taken as a matter of precaution' and 'There are no ebola cases in the country as of now.' Its goal is early detection and isolation at the border to prevent the virus from entering and spreading within the country.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal made the announcement about the US team's likely visit. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the nodal ministry for trade negotiations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is also correct as the article mentions the cap of 15% and 150 days under Section 122. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article clearly states "under Section 301, there is no cap on the duties that can be levied." Hence, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation

Minister Goyal stated, "In the last six months... probably the number will be upwards of $60 billion." The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states the Indian side visited Washington in April "to finalise the details of the interim pact and take forward the negotiations under the broader bilateral trade agreement (BTA)." This context is directly linked to the recent US tariff actions under Sections 122 and 301.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the latest data is from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC). PPAC is an attached office of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas responsible for data collection and analysis in the hydrocarbon sector.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Crude oil import volume fell by 4.3%. Statement 2 is incorrect: The import bill surged by 50% to $16.3 billion; it did not decrease. Statement 3 is incorrect: Import dependency on natural gas declined to 41.6% from 49.2%.

Explanation

The article states that India's oil-marketing companies paid $16.3 billion for their crude oil imports in April 2026. $10.7 billion was the bill for April last year, $13.9 billion is the net oil and gas import bill, and 20.1 MMT is the import volume.

Explanation

The core implication is that external price volatility, driven by geopolitics (Strait of Hormuz closure), can drastically increase India's import bill irrespective of volume management. This directly impacts the Current Account Deficit, rupee value, and inflationary pressures, underscoring a key economic vulnerability.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the delegation is led by Maria Korsnick, President and CEO of the Washington DC-based Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). The IAEA is a UN body, DAE is Indian, and WNA is a global industry association.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the SHANTI Bill's purpose is to create a clearer opening for private-sector participation. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clarifies the delegation is 'not here to lecture India or present a list of demands' but to engage practically. Statement 3 is correct as Maria Korsnick references the civil nuclear agreement as a 'historic moment' that changed possibilities.

Explanation

The article's second paragraph begins with: 'Less than six months after a landmark legislation opened up India’s nuclear sector...' This legislation is the SHANTI Bill. The other options are distractors not mentioned.

Explanation

The article directly links the relevance of nuclear energy to current events, stating countries need energy 'not exposed to fuel-price shocks or geopolitical disruption', specifically referencing the 'Strait of Hormuz crisis and the West Asia war'. This highlights energy security as the core driver, not just cost reduction or independence.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the accused was 'convicted under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)'. The UAPA is India's primary anti-terror law, distinguishing it from other security-related acts like POTA (repealed) or AFSPA.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says the Supreme Court acquitted the man, calling it a 'case of wrong identity'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Court set aside the conviction entirely, it did not uphold it. Statement 3 is correct as the Court noted the 'inaction and indolence' of the investigating agency in not apprehending the absconding accused.

Explanation

The article specifies that according to police, the accused 'allegedly handed over 75 cyanide capsules... to a co-accused'. The other numbers are close distractors; 60 relates to grams of the chemical GPS-4 mentioned alongside.

Explanation

The core of the judgment, as stated in the article, is that the appellant 'has been falsely implicated in this case without there being any evidence to connect him to the crime' and it was a 'case of wrong identity'. The other options are procedural issues not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the nodal agency for administering the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999, and awarding GI tags in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the SHANTI Act, 2025, marked a major shift by allowing private players into nuclear operations. Statement 2 is incorrect because Italy is the western anchor, not the eastern anchor, of the IMEEC. Statement 3 is correct as per the article's description of Veera Pasi's role.

Explanation

During the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the two countries set an ambitious trade target of increasing bilateral trade to €20 billion by the year 2029.

Explanation

Highway Farm Forestry (HFF) is a market-linked agroforestry approach where farmers adjoining highways voluntarily cultivate commercially viable tree crops instead of pollution-sensitive food crops. This creates 'Tree Crop Buffer Zones' to reduce pollution exposure, generate income, and reduce wood imports, differing from top-down social forestry programs.

Explanation

The article quotes Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya discussing the proposed amendment. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is the nodal ministry for sports policy and anti-doping regulations in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states the amendment aims to criminalise facilitation, supply, and encouragement, targeting the whole chain, not just athletes. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions the draft will be put up for public feedback. Statement 3 is correct as it is a key fact mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, "With the country hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games and hoping to stage the Olympics and Asian Games as well, it shows Indian sport... in poor light." This directly links the legislative push to the 2030 event.

Explanation

The core of the proposal, as stated by the Sports Minister, is to "target the whole chain and hand out stringent punishments." The article explains that till now only athletes were punished, but the new law will address facilitators, suppliers, and enablers.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the TRUST initiative 'more or less, evolved from iCET'. iCET was launched earlier to deepen collaboration in critical technologies. The other options are distinct bilateral frameworks not mentioned in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: the article says the US advantage was reduced to 2.7%, not that China overtook it. Statement 2 is correct: the article argues the urgency for 'China+1' softens when Washington and Beijing accommodate each other. Statement 3 is correct: the article states the IndiaAI Mission amounts to what a single American AI company spends in six months.

Explanation

The article specifies that the Interim Trade Agreement 'lowered US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent'. The 50% figure mentioned elsewhere refers to a punitive tariff levied earlier for purchasing Russian oil.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'What India fears most from the Beijing summit is not US-China confrontation, but accommodation — that is, a managed G2 that settles technology competition through bilateral frameworks and leaves everyone else as spectators.' This is the core anxiety driving the analysis.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued the missive to the industry. DPIIT operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, but the specific initiating body is DPIIT.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions 'over 200' items and 'over $50 billion'. Statement 2 is correct as the article links the move to the 'West Asia crisis' and the 'closure of the Strait of Hormuz'. Statement 3 is correct as expert Ajay Joshi states 'Over 85% of our crude oil is shipped in' making localisation challenging.

Explanation

The article clearly states that these items 'cumulatively account for annual imports worth over $50 billion'. The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

Expert Ajay Joshi specifically highlights that 'Over 85% of our crude oil is shipped in, and most chemicals we aim to produce domestically are ultimately petroleum derivatives.' This feedstock dependence is the central structural challenge mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that after approval by the Uttar Pradesh government, the DPR has been sent to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for final clearance. RRTS projects fall under urban development and transport infrastructure, which is handled by MoHUA.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly states the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor is the only operational RRTS. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions the train is designed for 180 kmph and can run at 160 kmph. Statement 3 is correct as the DPR includes provisions for integration with the bullet train through a dedicated station.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the project is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Noida International Airport (Jewar) to just 21 minutes. The other options are plausible distractors for different rail projects.

Explanation

The article mentions that the DPR includes provisions to integrate the RRTS corridor with the bullet train through a dedicated station at the airport terminal. This integration aims to enable connectivity and create a seamless transport hub, enhancing the utility of the airport and both rail systems.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Quad has sought to align its approaches with ASEAN frameworks, along with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Pacific Island Forum (PIF). The other organizations are not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clarifies 'The Quad was never meant to contain China, but to safeguard against... coercion.' Statement 3 is correct as Q-CHAMP and IPMDA are specifically mentioned as Quad initiatives.

Explanation

The article states: 'The Quad has so far held six leader-level summits — four in person and two in virtual mode.' The distractors are close numbers to test precise factual recall.

Explanation

The article directly attributes the current crisis to 'its de-prioritisation so far by the Donald Trump administration in its second term.' The other options, while plausible in general discourse, are not mentioned as the primary reason in the provided text.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the NTA referred the names of Chemistry paper setters and translators to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further examination following the leak. The CBI is the premier central investigating agency in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article explains that both PnP and CBT rely on the same ecosystem of question setters, making them vulnerable to insider leaks. Statement 2 is correct: The stability of IIT-JEE is attributed to its in-house control over operations. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article suggests the 2026 leak likely originated from the question-setting process (involving translators) and not from physical transportation, as the 'Guess Paper' contained solutions and resembled question bank content.

Explanation

The article states that for NEET, multiple paper sets are prepared and translated into English, Hindi, and 11 additional languages. Therefore, the total number of language versions is 13 (1 English + 1 Hindi + 11 others).

Explanation

The article directly contrasts the two systems. It states that IIT-JEE keeps most critical operations in-house under academic oversight (faculty supervision, limited translation), leading to stability. In contrast, NTA extensively outsources sensitive operations, creating accountability gaps. The testing platform or number of applicants is not cited as the primary reason.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the 2024 India-EFTA agreement. EFTA's members are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, distinct from the 27-member European Union (EU).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as the article states Netherlands' population and ASML's role. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states India seeks to diversify defence procurement away from Russia, not the United States.

Explanation

The article specifically states: "The Netherlands, with a population of just 18 million, is a pivotal player in the global chip race..." The other figures are close distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "For Europe, meanwhile, India is a critical partner in its efforts to de-risk from a rising China." The other options are not supported by the article's content.