22 February 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

As stated in the article, the agreement for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) is achieved without abrogating or altering Article 371(A) of the Constitution, which provides special provisions for Nagaland.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the signing of a tripartite agreement between these three parties. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article compares the FNTA to the Hill Areas Committee under Article 371(C) in Manipur, not to the Sixth Schedule councils. Statement 3 is correct as per the article's details on the FNTA's powers.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'The FNTA will exercise legislative and executive powers over 46 specific subjects.' This is a key factual detail of the agreement's scope.

Explanation

The article states that the ENPO region is 'a critical buffer zone bordering Myanmar' and that leaving its population disillusioned was 'a major security risk'. Therefore, ensuring stability in this strategic area was a key driver for the Centre.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the FTA awaits 'ratification by EU institutions (including European Parliament consent)'. The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the EU and must approve international agreements.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states tariffs are eliminated on 99.5% of Indian exports to the EU, and 96.6% of EU exports to India. Statement 2 is correct as negotiations were re-launched in 2022. Statement 3 is correct as directly quoted from the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article provides the precise data point: 'The FTA... eliminates or reduces tariffs on 96.6% of EU exports to India by value and 99.5% of Indian exports to the EU by trade value.' The other options are close distractors based on the other percentage mentioned.

Explanation

The article quotes the official saying, 'It is not about being isolated, it is about creating dependencies on both sides... to enhance sovereignty.' This reflects the modern geoeconomic strategy where resilience is built through diversified, interdependent networks, not isolation.

Explanation

The article states the Chagos Islands grouping is officially referred to as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). It is one of 14 remaining UK Overseas Territories.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ICJ's 2019 ruling was an advisory opinion, which is non-binding. Statement 3 is incorrect because while there is a £40 million trust fund, Chagossians are permitted to resettle in all islands except Diego Garcia.

Explanation

The article specifies the leaseback is for 99 years at an average cost of £101 million a year. £40 million is for the Chagossian trust fund, £3.4 billion is the total estimated deal cost, and £3 million was a historical grant paid by the UK to Mauritius in 1968.

Explanation

As stated in the article, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted the deal was required to avert the risk of a future binding legal judgment affecting the UK's ability to use the Diego Garcia base. This is the core strategic rationale provided.

Explanation

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) is the nodal agency for the shipping industry in India and functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. It implements the Merchant Shipping Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states 'the use of Thuraya satellite equipment continued to remain banned in Indian waters.' Statement 2 is incorrect because Iridium-based devices are permitted only conditionally for Distress and Safety Communications under GMDSS, not for all communication. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the DGS draft order proposes action under the Indian Telecommunications Act, 2023.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions: 'In an earlier order dated July 12, 2023, the DGS had permitted the use of Iridium-based satellite communication equipment in Indian waters exclusively for Distress and Safety Communications under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), subject to specified conditions.'

Explanation

The article directly states: 'communications made using Iridium-based portable devices could not be effectively monitored, examined or traced' due to the absence of Iridium gateways or ground stations within the Indian region. This inability to monitor such communications in sensitive areas is flagged as the core security threat.

Explanation

The article states that Tarique Rahman, chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sworn in as the new Prime Minister after the February 2026 elections, indicating the BNP formed the government.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the charter was unveiled in October 2025. Statement 2 is correct as it states the charter has about 80 proposed reforms, half being constitutional. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article explicitly mentions the charter's text contains dissent notes from parties on specific proposals.

Explanation

The article specifically states: "With around 70% of Bangladesh's electorate voting 'yes' to this document..." The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article explains that while both parties agree on the need for an upper house, the BNP prefers representation proportionate to a party's seat share in the lower house, while the Jamaat/NCP combine favours representation proportionate to each party's vote share to enable Parliamentary diversity.

Explanation

The CPI (Maoist) is designated as a terrorist organization and banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The NSA, POTA, and AFSPA are different laws dealing with preventive detention, terrorism, and special powers for armed forces respectively.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: Devuji was the head of the Central Military Commission. Statement 2 is correct: Union Home Minister Amit Shah set a March 31 deadline for LWE eradication. Statement 3 is incorrect: Devuji is the highest-ranking leader to surrender, but Politburo member Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Sonu had surrendered earlier in October last year. Hence, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Devuji carries a combined bounty of Rs 1 crore from various states. This is a precise data point for factual recall in Prelims.

Explanation

As analyzed in the article, Devuji's surrender, following the death of the general secretary and surrender of another top leader, indicates a severe leadership vacuum and an internal split over ideology (armed struggle vs. mainstreaming). This structural weakening is its primary strategic significance, not an immediate end to violence or proof of a single strategy's success.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) as the agency whose Managing Director commented on future corridors. NCRTC is the joint venture specifically created for RRTS project implementation in the NCR.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because a 55-km section was already operational earlier; only the remaining sections (5 km in Delhi and 21 km in UP) were inaugurated on the said day. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists loans from ADB, NDB, and AIIB.

Explanation

The article clearly states the corridor was developed at a cost of ₹30,000 crore. The other figures are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article quotes OP Agarwal emphasizing that last-mile connectivity should be ensured by city authorities through shared autos and good footpaths. This is presented as a critical success factor for the system to be truly effective.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that under U.S. law, only the 'importer of record'—typically a U.S. company—may file a protest and receive a refund. Foreign exporters cannot directly file claims with U.S. Customs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Court ruled the President lacked authority under IEEPA. Statement 2 is incorrect because refunds are not automatic and depend on the U.S. importer filing a protest; foreign exporters cannot directly claim them. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions a new 15% tariff was proposed under Section 122 the same day as the judgement.

Explanation

The article cites reports before the Senate Joint Economic Committee indicating importers of Chinese goods paid roughly $91.8 billion in Customs in CY25. The other figures relate to specific sectors: $25.5B for passenger cars, $17.4B for vehicle parts, and over $13B for apparel/textiles.

Explanation

The article states the ruling 'introduces uncertainty around executive-driven trade arrangements' and 'shifts the bargaining landscape' because countries may now negotiate with greater confidence that dramatic tariff threats face higher judicial scrutiny. It does not cancel deals, involve the WTO, or mandate compensation.

Explanation

As per the article, the integrated infrastructure development plan is proposed by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article lists an ICTT and an international airport as major components. Statement 2 is incorrect; the NGT in April 2023 found 'unanswered deficiencies' regarding coral conservation and data adequacy, and formed a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to revisit issues - it did not reject the project outright. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the island's location just 40 km from the Malacca Strait.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the project is estimated to cost ₹80,000-90,000 crore. This is a direct data point from the news.

Explanation

The article states that the NGT in 2023 found 'unanswered deficiencies' regarding coral conservation, among other issues. It later mentions that the project involves the translocation of 16,150 coral colonies, which was a major point of ecological concern reviewed by the HPC.

Explanation

Anthropic is identified in the article as the developer of the AI model 'Claude'. It is an AI lab and technology company, not involved in the other sectors listed.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because Anthropic has drawn red lines against BOTH autonomous targeting AND domestic surveillance, refusing Pentagon demands on both. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the company pitches its safety features as an advantage to regulators and enterprises.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that in 2025, Anthropic announced an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defence worth $200 million.

Explanation

The core dilemma, or 'security dilemma', stems from Anthropic's non-negotiable limits on autonomous weapons and domestic surveillance clashing with the Pentagon's position that commercial AI should be available for 'all lawful purposes'. This ethical-commercial conflict is the central issue.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Industrial Accelerator Act 'is expected to be published on February 25 by the European Commission.' The Commission is the EU's executive body responsible for proposing and implementing legislation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions 'eurobonds' could fund strategic investments. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Act aims to 'reconcile decarbonising high emission industries with maintaining competitiveness,' not increase emissions. Statement 3 is correct, citing US 'volatility' and actions like tariffs and the Greenland bid.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'On February 13, at the Munich Security Conference, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that "Europe has to learn to become a geopolitical power".' February 12 is the date of an EU informal summit, and February 25 is the expected date for the Industrial Accelerator Act.

Explanation

The article identifies the key domestic challenge: 'Mr. Macron will not be able to contest as there is a two-term constitutional limit on the presidency.' This, coupled with the potential victory of the Eurosceptic far-right National Rally in the 2027 election, threatens the continuity of his EU agenda.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Rafael Grossi as the head of the UN nuclear watchdog, which is the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA is responsible for verifying compliance with nuclear safeguards agreements.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article details the US considering 'token enrichment'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article specifically mentions military options targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son. Statement 3 is correct as Rafael Grossi's involvement and suggestions are mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article directly quotes Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating, "an Iranian proposal would be finalised within the next two or three days." This is a specific data point from the source material.

Explanation

The article states the US would study 'token enrichment' if Iran provides 'detailed proof that it poses no threat' and leaves 'no possible path' to a nuclear bomb. The core objective is non-proliferation, not weaponization or unconditional sanctions relief.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the US Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under the 1977 law known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), ruling the President had overstepped his powers. This was the basis for Trump's initial differential tariffs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article confirms the 15% tariff uses Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states this provision only allows tariffs for 'around five months', after which congressional approval is needed. Statement 3 is correct: The article notes that with IEEPA 'outlawed', the days of imposing tariffs via 'a Truth Social post or a signed executive order are gone'.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'India is currently at 25%, and the rates were to go down to 18%, before the Court's ruling came.' The 50% figure mentioned refers to the cumulative duty from August 2025, which included reciprocal tariffs and additional tariffs for Russian oil imports, but the stated current rate for general goods was 25%.

Explanation

The article quotes trade expert Ajay Srivastava stating that 'Reciprocal Tariffs were the US leverage. With that leverage gone, the negotiations become useless.' This indicates the ruling fundamentally alters the bargaining dynamics, prompting a need for India to review its trade deal strategy, as coercion is replaced by the need for mutual agreement within legal limits.

Explanation

As per the article and the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, CAQM is specifically mandated for the Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas. Its jurisdiction is not pan-India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the new 50 mg/Nm³ standard applies to 17 categories. Statement 2 is incorrect because implementation is phased: large/medium industries from August 1 and remaining from October 1. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the study was conducted by IIT Kanpur.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'At present, many industrial units in NCR are required to meet a PM emission standard of 80 mg/Nm³, with an advisory target of 50 mg/Nm³.' The 50 mg/Nm³ was only an advisory target, not the mandatory standard.

Explanation

The article states that industrial stack emissions are a significant contributor to particulate pollution and lead to secondary particulate formation, adversely impacting air quality and public health. The revised norm is aimed at reducing these emissions substantially, as stated by CAQM.

Explanation

The NHRC is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The article mentions NHRC guidelines in the context of custodial death inquiries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 correctly describes the provision of Section 176(1-A) CrPC. Statement 3 is incorrect because the court sought clarity precisely because the data did NOT specify if inquiries were held in all cases. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the court directed the state to provide updated and complete data till 2025, following initial data from 2018-2022. The final data span mentioned is 2018 to 2025.

Explanation

While the high number of deaths is alarming, the court's specific directive seeks clarity on whether the mandatory judicial inquiries, as required by Section 176(1-A) CrPC, were conducted. This procedural compliance is the core legal issue highlighted.

Explanation

The Doha Agreement, formally the 'Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan', was signed in February 2020 between the United States and the Taliban to end the Afghan War, leading to the withdrawal of US troops. Pakistan and Afghanistan were not direct signatories.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states Pakistan targeted camps of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and an IS affiliate, not the Afghan Taliban government. Statement 2 is correct as Pakistan's statement mentions the Doha Agreement. Statement 3 is correct as per the Afghan Defence Ministry's post quoted in the article.

Explanation

Pakistan's Information Minister stated that 'intelligence-based, selective operations' were conducted against seven camps belonging to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and its affiliates. The other numbers are close distractors not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Pakistan stated it targeted camps of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and an IS affiliate, which it holds responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. It accused the Afghan Taliban regime of failing to take action against these groups, justifying the cross-border strikes as self-defence.

Explanation

The UGC is a statutory body operating under the Union Ministry of Education, as mentioned in the article. While option D ('Ministry of Human Resource Development') was the old name for this ministry, the current and correct designation is Ministry of Education.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states Delhi tops the list with 12 fake universities. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article explicitly warns that degrees from these institutions carry no legal validity and cannot be used for employment, government services, or admission to higher education programmes. Statement 3 is correct: The UGC Act, 1956 is the foundational legislation empowering the UGC, as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states that a total of 32 institutions have been flagged as fake universities. The other numbers (24, 28, 36) are close distractors to test precise reading of the data.

Explanation

The article states the UGC issued a 'stern warning to students and parents' that degrees from these institutions are invalid. The core objective is consumer protection in the education sector, preventing students from wasting resources on unrecognized degrees. The list is a regulatory tool for awareness, not for promoting online education, increasing deemed universities, or fee standardization.

Explanation

The Supreme Court explicitly stated it requested the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court to spare 'serving judicial officers along with some former judicial officers of impeccable integrity in the rank of Additional District Judge or District Judge' for the task. This is a direct quote from the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the HC notice explicitly refrains officers from taking any leave from 21.02.2026 to 09.03.2026. Statement 2 is incorrect as the notice mandates officers under transfer to join new assignments 'without availing Transit Leave'. Statement 3 is correct as the notice states training programmes at the West Bengal Judicial Academy are 'deferred until further order'. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The HC notice states, 'All leaves (except under medical emergency) till 09.03.2026, even if approved by the Hon’ble Court, hereby stand cancelled.' The date 23 February is the deadline for officers on leave to rejoin, and 27 February is mentioned as a charge delivery date for transferred officers.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the Supreme Court noting the 'trust deficit' between the West Bengal government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) as the reason for issuing the extraordinary direction. This is the core justification provided in the news for the judicial intervention.

Explanation

The NCRTC is a joint venture specifically established to implement the RRTS network across the NCR. While DMRC handles Delhi Metro, and Indian Railways handles conventional trains, the RRTS is a separate system under NCRTC.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Namo Bharat corridor is India's first RRTS. Statement 2 is incorrect; Namo Bharat's maximum operational speed is 160 kmph, while Meerut Metro's is 120 kmph. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions PSDs are installed at all stations for both systems.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Namo Bharat corridor spans 82.15 km, connecting Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh. The 23 km option is the length of the Meerut Metro line, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article mentions the Namo Bharat train's design considers 'high acceleration and deceleration' given its 'maximum operational speed of 160kmph and stations at every 5-10km.' This indicates it is optimized for regional travel with higher speeds and longer station spacing compared to intra-city metros, which have closer stations and lower speeds.

Explanation

The CBI chargesheet specifically invoked IPC Section 305, which deals with the abetment of suicide of a child (under 18) or an insane person. Section 306 deals with abetment of suicide in general, while Sections 302 and 304 pertain to murder and culpable homicide not amounting to murder, respectively.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the CBI ruled out the conversion angle. Statement 2 is correct; Section 75 of the JJ Act was invoked. Statement 3 is incorrect; the CBI relied on four judicial dying declarations and found the private video insufficient, highlighting the higher evidentiary value of formal declarations.

Explanation

The article states the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court passed the order transferring the probe on 31 January 2022. The student died in January 2022, and the court acted promptly within the same month.

Explanation

The CBI analyzed four separate dying declarations given to authorities like a doctor and magistrate. The article emphasizes that these 'carry high evidentiary value in court,' unlike the private video. This underscores a key principle of Indian evidence law regarding the reliability of formal judicial records.

Explanation

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is the joint venture company of the Government of India and the states of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh specifically established to implement the RRTS project across the NCR, as implied by the article's context of the NCRTC announcing station details.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states Namo Bharat is India's first RRTS with a design speed of 180 km/h. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions the RRTS has been integrated with Meerut Metro services. Statement 3 is incorrect because Sarai Kale Khan hub connects Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, Delhi Metro's Pink Line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT, and the Ring Road, not just the Pink Line.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the entire 82 km corridor of the RRTS project was inaugurated. The other options are close distractors representing possible lengths of other rail projects or partial sections.

Explanation

The Delhi Chief Minister's statement in the article mentions that the project is expected to ease traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions by reducing private vehicles on roads. While it aids development and connectivity, the core objective highlighted is decongestion and environmental impact, not tourism, replacement of railways, or freight.

Explanation

The article mentions both India and Brazil are members of multilateral organizations. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and the G20 are key forums where both countries collaborate. The other options include groupings where both countries are not members.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article clearly states the US Supreme Court 'struck down' Trump's imposition of reciprocal tariffs via IEEPA. Statement 2 is correct as per the details of the Delhi Declaration. Statement 3 is correct as PM Modi is quoted saying 'Brazil is India’s largest trade partner in Latin America'.

Explanation

The article states: 'Trump... announced a blanket 15 per cent levy for 150 days on goods imported into the US from around the world.' The 10% was an initial announcement later raised to 15%. The 18% was the previous tariff on India before this change.

Explanation

The article explains that India's key pitch was 'democratising AI, while respecting the sovereignty of countries' to counter the direction 'where the technology is concentrated in the hands of a few companies and individuals'. The declaration's voluntary frameworks aim to share resources and strengthen local AI ecosystems.

Explanation

The article mentions that the Delhi-Meerut corridor is part of several RRTS lines planned by the NCRTC. NCRTC is the joint venture company specifically established to implement the RRTS network across the NCR.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states it is the country's first full high-speed RRTS corridor. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions a design speed of 180 kmph and an average speed of 90 kmph. Statement 3 is incorrect because only 55 km of the corridor (between New Ashok Nagar and Meerut South) is currently open, not the full 82 km.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 82-km corridor has been built at a cost of around Rs 30,000 crore. This is a key data point for factual recall.

Explanation

The article states the corridor 'will allow people to live outside Delhi but commute to the national capital for work.' This directly addresses urban decongestion and the development of satellite towns, which is a core objective of the RRTS project.

Explanation

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is a joint venture of the Government of India and the states of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, specifically mandated to implement the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in the National Capital Region. The article mentions the RRTS as a Centre's initiative, aligning with NCRTC's role.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states Namo Bharat is India's first RRTS with a design speed of 180 km/h. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly mentions that the Meerut Metro runs on the same tracks and infrastructure as the Namo Bharat trains, making it an integrated model. Statement 3 is correct as it is described as a 'first-of-its-kind initiative in India'.

Explanation

The article states: 'Meerut Metro will stand as India’s fastest metro system, boasting a maximum operational speed of around 120 km/h'. The design speed of Namo Bharat (180 km/h) is a close distractor, but the question specifically asks about the Meerut Metro.

Explanation

The article's core states the initiative is 'aimed at reducing travel time, easing congestion and promoting sustainable urban mobility'. While revenue generation and technology pilots may be secondary outcomes, the stated primary objective is improving regional connectivity and sustainability.

Explanation

The article states Neal Katyal was appointed as Acting Solicitor General in 2010 by then President Barack Obama.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the core of the ruling was that tariffs, as taxes, require congressional authority. Statement 2 is incorrect; the ruling was a 6-3 decision, not unanimous. Statement 3 is incorrect; Trump announced a 15% tariff, not 10%, citing Section 122 of the Trade Act.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that tariffs under Section 122 are 'limited to 150 days unless they are extended by Congress.'

Explanation

Katyal's argument, as summarized in the article, was that 'tariffs being a form of taxation, only the US Congress had the power' and that the President overstepped. This directly challenges the blending of executive and legislative powers, making Separation of Powers the core constitutional principle at stake.