23 July 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

DRDO is the premier defence R&D agency under the Ministry of Defence responsible for developing indigenous weapon systems like the Kusha SAM. ISRO focuses on space, while BEL and HAL are PSUs that manufacture defence equipment under DRDO's design.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the test was held at APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. Statement 2 is incorrect: Kusha is a long-range SAM with a range >200 km, not short-range. Statement 3 is correct: the test was against an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude threat. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that a long-range SAM typically has a range of over 200 km, and Kusha is a long-range SAM. The S-400 Triumf has a range of up to 400 km, but Kusha's exact range is not specified, only that it is a long-range system (>200 km). Options C and D are distractors for the S-400.

Explanation

The article highlights that Kusha is designed to protect strategic military and civilian assets from a range of aerial threats, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated it will eliminate India's import dependency for such systems. Option A is unrelated to SAM, C is incorrect as Akash is a medium-range SAM, and D is about offensive missiles, not defensive.

Explanation

The article states that the deals were signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart. The Energy Department is responsible for civilian nuclear energy agreements and nonproliferation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Wall Street Journal reported a provision for uranium enrichment. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Houthis threatened to blockade Saudi ports but did not oppose the deal itself. Statement 3 is correct: The Energy Department confirmed the deal will be submitted to Congress for review.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The United States signed a nuclear agreement with the kingdom's neighbour the United Arab Emirates in 2009.' The UAE does not enrich its own uranium.

Explanation

The article states that U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials opposed the deal over fears it could be converted to eventually develop nuclear weapons. The enrichment provision is a key proliferation concern.

Explanation

The FCRA is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India. The MHA handles the registration, renewal, suspension, and cancellation of FCRA licenses for NGOs and associations receiving foreign contributions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the Bill provides for a designated authority to take over, manage, or dispose of assets. Statement 2 is incorrect because the authority has powers of a civil court, not a criminal court, and its orders are subject to revision and appeal before the District Judge. Statement 3 is correct as the PIB clarified that the religious character of places of worship will be retained by law in all cases.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that in 2024-25, approximately 16,200 associations were actively registered and received around ₹22,963 crore in foreign contribution. This data point was used by the PIB to counter the perception of a prohibition.

Explanation

The PIB clarified that the designated authority manages only assets created from foreign contributions, and only once an organisation's registration has lawfully ceased. Vesting is initially provisional, with full restoration if registration is renewed. This is a regulatory measure, not a punitive confiscation.

Explanation

The article states that the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region is hosted by India. It provides maritime domain awareness for the proposed task force.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article says Houthis claimed vessels were linked to or bound for Israel. Statement 2 is incorrect: the US launched Operation Prosperity Guardian together with allies including Singapore and Sri Lanka. Statement 3 is correct: the Indian Navy rescued the crew of a British tanker on January 26-27, 2024. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that between November 2023 and March 2024, at least 2,000 ships avoided the Suez Canal and instead sailed around the Cape of Good Hope.

Explanation

The article highlights that the Strait carries one-third of India's entire trade. A new crisis would have a dire impact on India's economy, which is already reeling from the Strait of Hormuz crisis. While other options are consequences mentioned, the primary risk to India is the disruption of its trade.

Explanation

The declaration explicitly calls for an international treaty to ban autonomous systems from accessing nuclear launches, emphasizing that AI should not have the final decision on nuclear weapon use. Other options are broader or different in scope.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the declaration was inspired by Pope Leo XIV's encyclical 'Magnifica Humanitas'. Statement 2 is incorrect: the declaration does not call for a ban on all AI in military operations, but specifically on autonomous systems accessing nuclear launches. Statement 3 is correct: the declaration puts forth 'Mandatory meaningful human control' as a key ethical and operational principle.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that 'one study from the Rand Corporation, a global policy think-tank, argued that such risks could not be ruled out' and identified four capabilities AI would need to pose an existential threat.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that AI-driven systems operate at speeds that compress decision windows from hours to seconds, and could eliminate the 'safety valve' of human doubt and hesitation. Historical examples show that human moral choice averted disaster during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the 1983 Soviet false alarm incident.

Explanation

The 123 Agreement is named after Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954. It is a legally binding agreement required for the US to engage in significant nuclear cooperation with another country. The article explicitly mentions that the deal is a 123 Agreement and that India is also a signatory.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: American media reports indicate the deal could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium. Statement 2 is incorrect: the deal requires ratification by the US Congress, which is yet to happen. Statement 3 is correct: the article states it is a 30-year pact. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the deal is a '30-year pact'. The other options are distractors; 20 years and 40 years are common durations for other international agreements, but the correct figure is 30 years as per the news.

Explanation

The article discusses that allowing Saudi uranium enrichment could enable it to build nuclear weapons. This could set off an arms race with Israel (already a nuclear power) and Iran (nearing weapon capability). The other options are not the primary concern raised in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The US Department of Energy stated that along with the said deal, a bilateral safeguards agreement was also signed.' Hence the Department of Energy is the nodal body for this announcement.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: the agreement is for 30 years, not 20. Statement 2 is incorrect: the enrichment plant is conditional upon a joint US-Saudi review concluding it is justified. Statement 3 is correct: the article mentions a bilateral safeguards agreement was also signed.

Explanation

The Wall Street Journal reported that the nuclear agreement is set to run for 30 years. The other options are distractors; no other duration is mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states: 'According to experts, the deal would mark a first for the US and hold the risk of future nuclear proliferation in an already unstable region.' The other options are not mentioned as primary concerns.

Explanation

The article states that the British Steel Corporation was created in 1967 after Harold Wilson's Labour government nationalised 14 of the UK's largest steel producers. 1988 was the year of privatisation, and 2025/2026 relate to recent government interventions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the article says the government took full ownership 'last week' from the July 23, 2026 publication date, so July 2026. Statement 2 is false: Scunthorpe has blast furnaces, not electric arc furnaces. Statement 3 is correct: the OECD Steel Outlook 2026 projects excess capacity of 745 million tonnes by 2028.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'excess capacity projected to reach 745 million tonnes by 2028'. The other options are close distractors - 645 and 845 million tonnes are plausible but incorrect, and 745 billion tonnes is a unit error.

Explanation

The article mentions that the government cited 'national security considerations' and argued that 'retaining primary steelmaking capacity was a matter of national interest'. While job protection and price reductions may be secondary, the core justification was strategic national security.

Explanation

The USTR is the agency responsible for US trade policy and negotiations. It announced the tariffs on 60 economies, including India, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The WTO is an international organization, not a US agency.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The US imposed a 10% tariff on India under Section 301. Statement 2 is incorrect: India was placed in the lower 10% band, not the higher 12.5% band. The higher band includes EU, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland. Statement 3 is correct as per the article: USTR reviewed over 1,600 written comments before deciding the rates.

Explanation

The article states that India was initially considered for a steeper 12.5% rate, but after constructive talks on labour practices, it was placed in the lower 10% tariff category. The other options are distractors: 10% is the final rate, 15% and 7.5% are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the move follows a US Supreme Court ruling earlier in 2026 that many tariffs imposed under emergency powers were unlawful, pushing the administration to pursue other legal routes, including Section 301. Options A and C are not supported by the article; WTO rules are not mentioned in this context. Option D is incorrect as the US did engage in talks with India.

Explanation

The article states that the government bifurcated the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) into two departments: Department of Capital Development and Department of Urban Development.

Explanation

Statement 1 is false because the Department of Capital Development handles Delhi-specific subjects, not national schemes. Statement 2 is false because the Department of Urban Development handles national schemes, not Delhi-specific bodies like DMRC and DDA. Statement 3 is correct as per the article: the subject of stationery and printing was transferred to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the Department of Capital Development will look after 25 subjects allotted to it, including CPWD, DDA, DMRC, and NCRTC.

Explanation

The article indicates that the new department will handle Delhi-specific subjects (CPWD, DDA, DMRC, etc.), implying a dedicated focus to streamline governance of the national capital's development.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Teesta Stage-VI hydroelectric project is under NHPC Limited (formerly National Hydroelectric Power Corporation). NTPC, SJVN, and THDC are other PSUs in the power sector but are not involved in this project.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says workers struck a pocket of suspected trapped methane. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states the Teesta basin sits in a seismically active zone. Statement 3 is correct: the 2023 glacial lake outburst from South Lhonak lake destroyed Teesta-III dam and killed more than 100 people. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'killing at least 15 of an estimated 25 workers'. Option C (25) is the estimated total workers, not fatalities. Option D (41) refers to the number of workers trapped in the 2023 Uttarakhand tunnel collapse, not this incident.

Explanation

The article questions whether the risk of methane pockets was assessed during planning, whether gas-detection safeguards were in place, and whether environmental clearance conditions were strictly met. While cost overruns are mentioned, the core concern is about safety and regulatory compliance in fragile zones.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions India's need to preserve its 'sovereign ability to govern its data'. Data sovereignty is the concept that digital data is subject to the laws of the country where it is located, contrasting with 'Digital Public Infrastructure' which is about shared systems, 'Net Neutrality' about equal internet access, and 'Open Source' about collaborative software development.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article argues the deal is about 'far more than trade' and involves strategic confidence. Statement 2 is correct, as the article states 'Trade agreements increasingly establish geopolitical precedents, not merely commercial obligations'. Statement 3 is incorrect, as the author advises India to negotiate with an eye on the 'next decade' and avoid 'tactical expediency'.

Explanation

The article explicitly warns that 'The pursuit of immediate economic gain, or the political satisfaction of announcing a successful agreement, could gradually narrow the policy choices available to future governments'. This is the core risk highlighted, not a direct fiscal or tariff impact.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that trade agreements must preserve India's sovereign ability to govern its data, regulate its digital economy, and shape its technological future. This is presented as more important than short-term tariff reductions or trade volume increases, ensuring long-term strategic autonomy.

Explanation

As per the article, the Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Pvt Ltd (BRBNMPL), a subsidiary of RBI, invited bids for 3.4 crore polymer sheets. SPMCIL is the Security Printing and Minting Corporation, and TERI conducted the life cycle study.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Australia first issued plastic banknotes in 1988. Statement 2 is incorrect: the 2012 trial failed due to technical infirmities. Statement 3 is correct: the article states plastic notes last 2-6 times longer than paper notes.

Explanation

The article mentions that the number of counterfeit notes detected in 2025-26 rose to 2.3 lakh pieces, up from 2.17 lakh in 2024-25. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article cites a TERI Life Cycle Impact Assessment that concluded replacing cotton-based notes with plastic ones would have significant environmental benefits. Plastic notes last longer, reducing the need for frequent printing and disposal, and can be recycled into other products, thereby lowering the overall carbon footprint.

Explanation

The article mentions Uttar Pradesh's Data Centre Policy 2021 specifically offering capital subsidies, 100% stamp duty exemption, electricity duty exemption, and single-window clearance. Tamil Nadu provides subsidised land and tax reimbursements, while Telangana allocates land in IT corridors and power subsidies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: New York imposed a one-year moratorium, not a permanent ban. Statement 2 is correct: Singapore's moratorium was absolute from 2019-2022, then replaced by a Green Data Centre Roadmap quota system. Statement 3 is correct: Ireland's grid operator blocked connections from 2021, and the freeze ended in December 2025.

Explanation

The article states: 'India's AI data-centre market, currently at $5.5 billion and about 1.6 GW capacity, is set to rise to $90 billion and about 12-14 GW capacity by 2035.' Option B is the projected figure, not current. Option C is the value of US projects blocked. Option D reverses the numbers.

Explanation

The article specifically highlights India's water stress and the case of Yotta Data Centre in Uttar Pradesh where the groundwater table dropped from 30m to 250m. While other risks like carbon emissions and land use exist, the article emphasizes water depletion as a critical concern, especially given India is the most water-stressed among top 10 hosting countries.

Explanation

The news explicitly states that the Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy announced the allocation. The Ministry of Coal is the nodal ministry for coal mining and related closure activities in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the minister announced ₹40,000 crore allocation. Statement 2 is incorrect because 33 mines (not 42) were closed in FY 2025-26; 42 is the total closed so far. Statement 3 is correct as the minister explicitly mentioned building an 'Indian model' combining environmental protection with economic opportunity.

Explanation

The Coal Ministry has set a target to scientifically close 147 mines in the next 2-3 years. 33 mines were closed in FY 2025-26, and 42 is the total closed so far. 150 is a distractor close to 147.

Explanation

The minister explicitly stated the Indian model combines 'environmental protection with economic opportunity, technology with community participation and global best practices with India's innovation.' This goes beyond just closing mines to creating new opportunities on reclaimed land.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'These courts will be akin to the MP/MLA fast-track courts.' Hence, option B is correct.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the protests were by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), not Congress. Statement 3 is correct: the opposition demanded resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article's published date is July 23, 2026, and the PM's post on X is dated that day. The article states 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday (July 23, 2026)'. Hence option B is correct.

Explanation

The article quotes PM Modi saying 'to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks'. This is the stated objective. The other options are not mentioned or are broader than the specific purpose.

Explanation

The Tobacco Board functions under the administrative control of the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This is a static GK fact often tested in exams.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the Centre responded positively to the GST cut proposal. Statement 2 is incorrect: the government did not agree to the ₹20/kg direct support but assured alternative incentive mechanisms. Statement 3 is correct: extension of RoDTEP to HSN 2401 was a key demand.

Explanation

The article states the request was to roll back GST from 40% to 28% on unmanufactured tobacco for exports. 18% and 12% are common GST rates but not the proposed figure. 40% is the current rate.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the higher tax burden 'locks up exporters' working capital and weakens India's competitiveness in global markets'. The other options are not supported by the news.

Explanation

France passed the legislation on July 21, 2026, becoming the first EU nation to impose such a ban. The United Kingdom is not an EU member, and Australia is not in Europe. Germany has not yet passed such a blanket ban.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the ban covers children under 15. Statement 2 is incorrect: the ban was passed by both the National Assembly and the Senate. Statement 3 is correct: Australia's ban took effect in December 2025 as mentioned in the article. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: 'the National Assembly voting 279 in favour, 81 against and 66 abstentions.' The other options are close distractors with swapped numbers.

Explanation

The article highlights concerns over 'young users’ exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, and other forms of online exploitation' as the driving force behind the ban. President Macron's quote about 'brains of our children are not for sale' reinforces the protective intent. Revenue generation and promotion of domestic platforms are not mentioned.

Explanation

The Supreme Court in Olga Tellis vs Bombay Municipal Corporation held that the right to livelihood and shelter is an essential component of the right to life under Article 21. Article 19 protects certain freedoms, Article 300A protects against deprivation of property except by authority of law, and Article 14 guarantees equality.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Justice Sreedharan proposed a two-year embargo on demolitions after an FIR. Statement 2 is correct: Justice Nandan agreed with SC guidelines but not the additional safeguards. Statement 3 is incorrect: the third judge will only settle the specific disputed points, not rehear the whole case.

Explanation

Justice Sreedharan proposed a two-year embargo on demolishing an accused person's home after an FIR, unless there is a genuine urgent public need. The other options are distractors: 1 year is the notice period for structures older than 3 years, 3 years is the age threshold for that notice, and 5 years is not mentioned.

Explanation

Justice Nandan argued that the proposed directions effectively amend the statutory framework (e.g., UP Urban Planning and Development Act) and that courts cannot substitute judicially created timelines for existing legislative provisions. This is a classic separation of powers concern. The other options were not his primary argument.

Explanation

The article mentions that the Information & Broadcasting Ministry issued advisories, ordered blocking of platforms, and is the nodal ministry for the IT Rules, 2021 Part-III which governs OTT platforms. The Ministry of Electronics and IT handles the IT Act generally, but the specific Code of Ethics for digital news and OTT is under I&B.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per article: Section 67 of IT Act covers obscene material. Statement 2 is correct: BNS Section 294 criminalises obscene books and materials. Statement 3 is correct: The article states that in March 2024, 18 platforms were blocked after references from NCPCR in July and August 2024. Hence all three are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'In February 2026, five OTT platforms were blocked for allegedly streaming obscene content.' The other options refer to different rounds: 18 in March 2024, 25 in July 2025, and 50 is the total over two years.

Explanation

The article concludes: 'The move is understood to be part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen compliance with the country’s digital content laws to ensure a safer online environment.' Options A, C, and D are not mentioned or implied in the article.

Explanation

The Marrakesh Agreement, signed in 1994, established the WTO and its structure. Annex 4 specifically contains Plurilateral Trade Agreements that are binding only on signatory members, unlike the mandatory multilateral agreements in other annexes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: India argues plurilateral pacts undermine the consensus principle. Statement 2 is incorrect: The EU actually encouraged India to rethink its approach, not supported it. Statement 3 is correct: The article states India was the only country opposing IFD's incorporation at MC14.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'As many as 129 members have supported IFD'. Option A (66) refers to the number of members that adopted the e-commerce interim arrangement. Option C (164) is the total WTO membership. Option D is a distractor.

Explanation

India questioned the 'legal basis' of the interim arrangements, noting that consensus was not reached for adding the agreement to Annex 4. The article highlights India's letter asking how the WTO DG could act as depository without consensus, thus bypassing established rules.

Explanation

The article states that the Chhattisgarh High Court, presided over by Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad, issued the ruling. This is a direct factual recall question from the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the court held that the medical board's opinion is not binding on a constitutional court. Statement 2 is correct as the court used its writ jurisdiction under Article 226. Statement 3 is correct as the court mentioned that ultrasonography has a margin of error of about two weeks.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Medical Board examined the survivor and reported that she was carrying a pregnancy of approximately 25 weeks and five days. The statutory limit is 24 weeks, so the pregnancy was beyond that limit.

Explanation

The court held that refusing termination would violate the survivor's right to dignity, privacy, bodily autonomy, and reproductive choice, all of which are facets of the right to life under Article 21. Article 32 is the Supreme Court's writ jurisdiction, not the High Court's.

Explanation

The article mentions that the Keeladi excavation was led by archaeologist K Amarnath Ramakrishna under the ASI. The ASI is the premier organization under the Ministry of Culture responsible for archaeological research, protection, and conservation of national heritage sites in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the site is on the Vaippar river, not the Vaigai. Statement 2 is incorrect as Tenkasi bypasses the Neolithic/Chalcolithic phases (sequence: Microlithic → Iron Age → Early Historic), unlike northern Tamil Nadu. Statement 3 is correct as the peacock-decorated urn connects to Harappan Cemetery-H contexts and Sangam literature (Akananuru).

Explanation

The article explicitly states the brick structure measures about 8.7 metres by 4.2 metres, built with bricks of 40 x 20 x 7 centimetres. This structure, with descending steps, is believed to have served as an underground granary or rainwater harvesting tank.

Explanation

The site's unique cultural sequence (Microlithic → Iron Age → Early Historic, bypassing Neolithic/Chalcolithic) and the material evidence of an organized industrial settlement over millennia reshape understanding of South India's antiquity. It also bridges archaeology with Sangam literature, offering a more nuanced view of regional development.

Explanation

The ASUMP scheme is under the Ministry of Home Affairs, as mentioned in the article. The MHA handles police modernisation and internal security matters.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Jharkhand is yet to install a single camera. Statement 2 is correct: Himachal is the only state to have received funds. Statement 3 is incorrect: the amicus curiae has requested extension, but it has not been granted yet. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The report states that Karnataka saw Rs 173 crore approved against a proposed Rs 278 crore. The other options are for other states: Rs 46.58 crore for Andhra Pradesh, Rs 8.69 crore for Himachal Pradesh.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Supreme Court mandated CCTV installation to curb custodial torture. The other options are not mentioned and are not the primary objective of the mandate.

Explanation

The article states that 'Israel, which is widely believed to have the region’s only nuclear arsenal'. This is a static GK fact about Israel's undeclared nuclear status.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the deal was announced on July 22, 2026 and requires Congressional approval. Statement 2 is incorrect: the article says Israelis 'had hoped any deal would come as part of' normalization, but it did not. Statement 3 is incorrect: the article says Netanyahu and his ministers have not commented on the deal.

Explanation

The article mentions that former PM Naftali Bennett is seeking to unseat Mr. Netanyahu in an 'October 27 election'. No other date is given.

Explanation

The article quotes Bennett warning of 'a regional nuclear race' and Lieberman saying it will 'lead to a crazy arms race'. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The NDAA is a legislative bill that must be passed by both chambers of Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate) and then signed by the President. The Pentagon executes the budget but does not authorise it.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the bill authorises $1.15 trillion and includes a 5-7% pay raise. Statement 2 is incorrect: the bill passed narrowly 216-212, indicating growing polarisation, not overwhelming bipartisan support. Statement 3 is correct: the Golden Dome is modelled after Israel's Iron Dome.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the bill passed the lower chamber in a 216-212 vote, reflecting a very narrow margin and significant political polarisation.

Explanation

The article states that President Trump sought to develop the Golden Dome missile defence system to protect the US mainland, modelled after Israel's Iron Dome. It is a homeland defence initiative, not for overseas bases or replacing Israeli systems.