23 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Delimitation Commission is constituted under the Delimitation Commission Act. The administrative and legislative responsibility for matters related to the Commission and delimitation falls under the purview of the Ministry of Law and Justice (Legislative Department).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions a 50% seat increase based on Census 2011. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article explicitly states the proportion of seats of all states would remain unchanged to address southern states' fears. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the possibility of a lottery system to decide women's seats.

Explanation

The article provides a specific example: for Uttar Pradesh, the number of Lok Sabha seats will go up to 120 from the current 80. This is a 50% increase (80 + 40 = 120).

Explanation

The article states the government was exploring delinking the Act from the delayed census to implement it before the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Assembly elections. Using existing Census 2011 data is a tactical move to bypass the delay caused by the postponed census and achieve immediate implementation.

Explanation

The Finance Commission is established under Article 280 of the Constitution. Its mandate is to recommend the distribution of net tax proceeds between the Union and the States.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as cesses and surcharges are NOT part of the divisible pool, a key point of contention. Statement 2 is correct, as mentioned regarding southern states' grievance. Statement 3 is correct, as the article cites this Supreme Court ruling limiting gubernatorial inaction.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Sixteenth Finance Commission is currently deliberating and must grapple with these concerns to restore confidence in fiscal federalism.

Explanation

The core constitutional problem identified is that the slogan suggests development flows preferentially to aligned states, making it dependent on political goodwill rather than the rule-based, institutional framework envisioned by the Constitution (e.g., Finance Commission under Article 280).

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the report was released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The WMO is a UN specialized agency for weather, climate, and water.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the report states 2015-2025 were the hottest 11 years, not 2010-2020. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the global mean sea level in 2025 was comparable to record-high levels in 2024.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 2025 was about 1.43 °C above the 1850-1900 average. This is a precise data point crucial for prelims facts on climate change.

Explanation

The article explains that rising greenhouse gases upset the energy equilibrium, meaning more incoming solar energy is trapped than outgoing heat escapes. This trapped energy is the fundamental driver of global warming, manifesting as ocean heating, ice melt, and sea-level rise.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been maintaining constant contact with relevant governments at diplomatic levels to ensure safe transit for Indian vessels.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states 'over 50% of its LNG imports' transit the strait. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says the strait accounts for 'one-fifth' (20%), not one-third, of global flows. Statement 3 is correct as per the data provided in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'a whopping 90% of its LPG imports transited the Strait'. The other figures are distractors: 40% is for crude oil imports and 60% is India's overall LPG import dependency.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the closure is 'a major headache for India, which depends on imports to meet a bulk of its energy needs,' with specific data on LPG, LNG, and crude oil transit. The other options are extreme or not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed the chargesheet in the case on September 25, 2020, and a supplementary chargesheet later. The CBI is the premier central agency for investigating serious crimes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the trial was conducted by the First Additional District and Sessions Court in Madurai, not the Supreme Court. Statement 3 is incorrect; the CBI investigation revealed the traders had NOT violated COVID-19 lockdown rules, which was the false charge used to detain them.

Explanation

The article clearly states the conviction was delivered on Monday, March 23, 2026. September 25, 2020, is the date the CBI filed its chargesheet, and June 19, 2020, is the date of the incident.

Explanation

The core significance of the judgment is its strong message on police accountability and upholding human rights (Article 21). It reinforces that state actors are not above the law. The other options are either incorrect or not the primary implication derived from the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the IMEC seeks to reduce India's dependence on chokepoints along the Red Sea-Suez Canal route. This places it squarely in the domain of creating alternative trade and connectivity corridors to mitigate maritime risks.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's description of the Malacca Strait. Statement 2 is correct; the article states over 60% of urea and 80% of ammonia & sulphur imports come from the Gulf, which transit the Hormuz Strait. Statement 3 is correct, with the width and oil volume directly quoted from the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India is looking to increase the capacity of its strategic petroleum reserves, which is currently at 5.33 million metric tonnes. The other figures are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article's core analysis establishes that India's vulnerability stems from the Strait of Hormuz being a conduit for ~25% of global oil, ~50% of India's crude, >50% of LNG, and a majority of its fertilizer imports. This direct impact on energy and food security is the primary concern, not military exercises, software, or territorial disputes.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the NDMA lays down specific guidelines to shield healthcare centres from fires. It is the apex body for disaster management policy in India, headed by the Prime Minister.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article (12 lives in Cuttack hospital). Statement 2 is incorrect; the National Building Code is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), not the NDMA. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions these as familiar violations.

Explanation

The article states 12 lives were lost in Cuttack and 9 in Delhi, making the total 21. This is a direct data point that can be asked in a Prelims-style factual question.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'The real problem, however, lies in enforcement.' It mentions that despite the National Building Code and NDMA guidelines, weak enforcement, infrequent fire audits, and illegal alterations by owners are the core issues.

Explanation

As per the article, Section 301 authorizes the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate foreign trade practices and impose unilateral tariffs based on its determination.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the US invoked Section 122 imposing a 10% surcharge, though it notes the BOP crisis rationale is being challenged. Statement 2 is incorrect: The 1999 WTO panel criticized Section 301 as a 'big stick' but refrained from declaring it illegal based on US assurances. Statement 3 is correct: India is listed in both sets of Section 301 proceedings along with the EU, Japan, China, and others.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the 10% temporary surcharge was 'effective February 24 to July 24, 2026'. This is a key factual detail for prelims-style questions.

Explanation

The article's concluding argument emphasizes that 'the core challenge... is the need to revive multilateral rules' and that 'there is no substitute for the strength that comes from coalition-building to dilute the U.S.'s raw power advantage.' This is presented as the strategic way forward.

Explanation

Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, explicitly empowers the Central Government to issue directions for blocking public access to any information online. This authority was discussed in the Shreya Singhal case mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; Rule 16 requires proceedings to be confidential, not transparent. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the committee is an entirely executive body, not an independent judicial one.

Explanation

The article provides a specific data point: "from 2014 to 2021, the number of URLs, posts, and accounts blocked ballooned from 470 to 9,800." Therefore, the figure for 2014 is 470.

Explanation

The article argues that invoking Rule 16 to keep blocking orders confidential "undermines [affected parties'] ability to challenge the action in court." This erodes the procedural safeguards (like judicial review) that justified the constitutionality of Section 69A, raising a fundamental rights concern.

Explanation

The article states that recent consultations on PM-KUSUM 2.0 have indicated the government may include agriPV in a proposed 'National Agri-photovoltaics Mission' as a dedicated component. PM-KUSUM is the central scheme for solarising agriculture.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as AgriPV integrates solar systems with farming on the same land. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article lists various food crops like tomato, onion, ragi, and potato as suitable. Statement 3 is correct as partial shading can reduce evapotranspiration, helping soil retain moisture.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "In the 2026-27 budget, the outlay for the PM-KUSUM scheme nearly doubled to Rs 5,000 crore." The other figures are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that partial shading from solar panels can reduce evapotranspiration, allowing soils to retain more moisture and thus enhancing water-use efficiency. The other options, while potentially beneficial, are not cited as direct co-benefits in the provided text.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the 'AYUSH Ministry's budget' and refers to it as the ministry promoting AYUSH systems. The Ministry of AYUSH was formed in 2014 to oversee education, research, and propagation of these traditional systems.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the FTA 'sets up a system where Indian safety certifications could eventually be accepted in Europe, which means that products approved in India might not need extra testing.' Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) Ministry’s budget... reaching ₹4,408 crore this year.' The other options are plausible distractors but not the correct figure provided.

Explanation

The article's central argument is that for AYUSH to enter the global mainstream credibly, it must move beyond cultural assertion and provide evidence. It states: 'For Ayurveda and other AYUSH systems to enter the global mainstream credibly, they must submit to rigorous, independent, and transparent scientific evaluation...'

Explanation

As per the article, NSEIX Global Access IFSC Ltd. is a fully regulated entity operating from GIFT City under the regulatory framework of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). IFSCA is the unified regulator for all financial services in IFSCs like GIFT City.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the platform enables direct buying of US stocks. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly mentions overseas investments are made under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). Statement 3 is correct as per the article which states capital gains on U.S. equities are not taxed in the U.S. under the India-U.S. tax treaty and are taxable only in India.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) permits individuals to remit up to $2.50 lakh per financial year. The other options are common distractors based on previous limits or other financial thresholds.

Explanation

The article mentions that financial experts say the initiative would 'democratise how Indians gain access to international bourses' and that investors would have a 'huge choice to diversify holdings'. While other options might be secondary effects, the core objective is to provide easy and regulated access to global markets for diversification.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the government eased some FDI rules 'through an amendment to Press Note 3 (2026)'. Press Notes are issued by the DPIIT to communicate changes to the FDI policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's first paragraph. Statement 2 is incorrect; the 'China plus one' strategy involves partial diversification, not a complete shift. Statement 3 is correct, as the article suggests local production via FDI could reduce import dependence.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "In 2020, India imposed restrictions on FDI from countries sharing a land border, primarily to prevent Chinese firms from acquiring stakes in Indian companies." This is a key factual date for prelims.

Explanation

The article's 'macroeconomic dimension' section states that China's persistent trade surplus reflects excess savings, which must be deployed abroad via exports or capital flows. Outward FDI is presented as a way to ease global imbalances without intensifying trade conflicts.

Explanation

The article mentions the Election Commission announcing the poll schedule for Assembly elections. The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority established under Article 324 responsible for administering election processes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Dinesh Goswami Committee did NOT favour compulsory voting, citing practical difficulties. Statement 2 is correct as explicitly mentioned in the Law Commission's 255th report (2015). Statement 3 is correct as the article states compulsory voting could be seen as violating Article 19(1).

Explanation

The article directly states: "Compulsory voting does result in increased voter turnout by an average of about 7%." This data point is from the Law Commission's 255th Report (2015).

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "Article 326 of the Constitution grants every citizen the right to vote..." While other rights have been linked to voting by judicial interpretation, Article 326 is the direct constitutional provision for universal adult suffrage.

Explanation

As per the article, the then AIADMK government transferred the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI filed chargesheets against the accused police personnel.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court took suo motu cognisance and ordered a judicial inquiry. Statement 2 is incorrect: The CBI investigation revealed that the traders had NOT violated COVID-19 lockdown rules. Statement 3 is correct: The High Court recommended studying the possibility of replicating the 'Magizhchi' programme launched by Chennai City Police.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the verdict will be delivered by the First Additional District and Sessions Court in Madurai on March 23, 2026. March 23, 2025, is a distractor. June 23 is the date of a victim's death in 2020. September 25, 2020, is the date of the CBI chargesheet.

Explanation

The article details that the Judicial Magistrate's report stated the police did not cooperate, showed an indifferent attitude, and that the CCTV footage was calibrated to overwrite daily, resulting in no footage from the day of the incident despite adequate storage.

Explanation

The IEA was established in 1974 as an autonomous body within the framework of the OECD to coordinate energy security policies among industrialized nations, especially in response to oil supply shocks.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the current loss is 11 million bpd, exceeding the 10 million bpd combined loss of the 1970s shocks. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly says there would NOT be a specific price trigger. Statement 3 is incorrect as the identified chokepoint is the Strait of Hormuz, not the Suez Canal.

Explanation

The article clearly states that IEA member nations agreed on March 11 to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic stockpiles. This is a factual data point directly from the source text.

Explanation

The core response detailed in the article is the coordinated release of oil from strategic stockpiles or reserves. IEA members agreed to release 400 million barrels and are consulting on further releases, making this the primary tactical tool being deployed to increase supply and calm prices.

Explanation

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an autonomous agency that was established in 1974 within the framework of the OECD. Its core mandate is to coordinate collective responses to major disruptions in oil supply, which aligns with its action described in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article quotes the IEA chief saying the world is losing 11 million barrels per day, more than the 1973 and 1979 shocks combined. Statement 2 is incorrect: The US committed 172 million barrels, not 182 million. The 182 million figure refers to the total IEA release in 2022 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Statement 3 is correct: The article explicitly states the strait accounted for a whopping 90% of India's LPG imports prior to the conflict.

Explanation

The article states: 'Prices peaked at $119.50 last week as both sides battered each other’s energy installations...' The $100 figure is the average price after the crisis began, $73 is the pre-war price, and $140 is not mentioned.

Explanation

The IEA's core mandate, as reflected in the article, is to ensure energy security for its members. Releasing strategic reserves is a direct tool to mitigate the physical supply shock caused by the Hormuz blockade, thereby calming markets and preventing extreme price volatility. The action is a market intervention, not a permanent price control, a funding mechanism, or a sanctions tool.

Explanation

Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs for enforcement of fundamental rights and for any other purpose. The article explicitly mentions this power, which was the basis for the Delhi HC's mandamus in this case. Article 32 gives similar power to the Supreme Court.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the right is recognized globally by the UDHR. Statement 2 is incorrect; the petition was under Section 528 of the BNSS, not Section 498A. Statement 3 is correct as Lata Singh v State of U.P. is explicitly mentioned as a precedent in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the couple solemnized their marriage on January 22, 2026, at the Arya Samaj Vivah Sthal Trust. March 13, 2025, is the date of the court order, and March 23, 2026, is the article's publication date.

Explanation

The judgment's essence, as quoted, is that the right to marry is inalienable and guaranteed under the Constitution. It specifically states that society and relatives have no role in such private choices of consenting adults. This principle of autonomy is central to the ruling.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the Mediation Act, 2023, envisages a Mediation Council of India (MCI) to regulate and standardise mediation practice, including training and accreditation of mediators.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. CJI Surya Kant identified 'trust' as the central issue, not specifically 'procedural efficiency and finality', which are components of the trust deficit. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's mention of the 2024 draft bill. Statement 3 is incorrect; the 2025 Constitution Bench decision in Gayatri Balasamy recognized only a narrow power to modify awards under Section 34, not a broad appellate review.

Explanation

The article directly quotes Gourab Banerji stating, "the average arbitration in India still takes four to six years from invocation to enforcement." This highlights the efficiency challenge within the system.

Explanation

The article states that ad-hoc arbitration's dominance is "partly historical and partly rational," with parties finding comfort in its flexibility and the ability to avoid institutional fees. It is a perception of cost and control, not a legal mandate or infrastructural lack.

Explanation

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 falls under the purview of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which is responsible for the welfare and rights of marginalized communities, including transgender persons.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct; the amendment seeks to replace Clause (k) and mandate surgery. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the Bill has triggered 'widespread outrage' among transgender communities, not welcome.

Explanation

The article repeatedly references the 'Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019' as the parent legislation being amended by the 2026 Bill.

Explanation

The article's core criticism is that the amendment 'strips trans persons of autonomy over self-determination' and mandates surgery, moving away from the self-identification principle of the 2019 Act.

Explanation

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which publishes the Trends in International Arms Transfers report, is based in Stockholm, Sweden. It is an independent international institute focused on research into conflict, armaments, and disarmament.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the report states global arms transfers increased by 9.2%. Statement 2 is correct: the US share was 42% and Russia's share fell by 64%. Statement 3 is incorrect; India was the second-largest importer (8.2% share), and its share actually declined by 4%.

Explanation

The article states Ukraine was the world's largest major arms recipient in 2021-25, accounting for 9.7% of total global arms imports. Option A (8.2%) is India's share, C (6.8%) is Saudi Arabia's share, and D (4.2%) is Pakistan's share.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the decline in India's import share "was partly due to India’s increasing self-reliance and domestic production of its own weapons." This aligns with the objectives of the 'Make in India' initiative in the defence sector.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) of India has been designated as the nodal implementing agency for the RELIEF scheme. ECGC provides export credit insurance support to Indian exporters.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states FSI's Anavaran system uses satellite data and machine learning. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article says alerts are issued every 15 days (fortnightly), not monthly. Statement 3 is correct: It mentions the use of Sentinel-2 and integration with Sentinel-1 SAR data.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: India improved its ranking to 116th in 2026 with a life evaluation score of 4.536. This is a factual recall question typical for Prelims.

Explanation

The core of the Supreme Court judgment was striking down the rule that denied maternity leave to women adopting children older than three months, thereby eliminating age-based discrimination. The other options describe potential policy changes not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs) like the HHRC are statutory bodies established under the provisions of The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. This act also establishes the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the HHRC took 'suo motu cognisance of media reports'. Statement 2 is incorrect: The HHRC order explicitly stated the tragic loss 'cannot be viewed merely as workplace accidents' but as 'serious violations of human rights'. Statement 3 is correct: The article lists 12 authorities, including the Labour Commissioner and officials from the Town and Country Planning Department, who were issued notices.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'seven workers reportedly lost their lives'. The figure '15-20' refers to the total number of labourers working at the site when the collapse occurred, not the number of fatalities.

Explanation

The HHRC order explicitly states that 'the right to life, safety and dignity of workers forms an integral part of Article 21 of the Constitution of India.' This interpretation moves worker safety from a regulatory issue to a fundamental right, imposing a higher duty of care on the state.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority established under Article 324. It is vested with the superintendence, direction, and control of the entire process for conducting elections to Parliament and State Legislatures, including the preparation of electoral rolls.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article, which mentions the March 10 Supreme Court directive leading to the establishment of 19 tribunals. Statement 2 is correct as the article states the final roll published on February 28 left approximately 60 lakh voters marked as 'under adjudication'. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article explicitly mentions two streamlined methods: online via ECI NET and offline at DM/SDO offices.

Explanation

The article clearly states that 'the ECI has formally established 19 Appellate Tribunals across the state' in line with the Supreme Court directive. The other options (15, 17, 21) are close distractors.

Explanation

The article states these tribunals 'are now the primary legal recourse for anyone whose name has been rejected or remains excluded after the publication of the supplementary list.' Their purpose is judicial review of exclusion decisions, not conducting elections, overseeing DMs, or investigating malpractice.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that MahaCrimeOS AI was launched by Microsoft in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra and developed using Microsoft's Azure OpenAI Service.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's details on deepfake scams in Pune. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states MahaCrimeOS AI works 'in multiple languages including Marathi', implying it is not limited to English and Hindi. Statement 3 is correct as the article describes the use of an AI-simulated model as technical evidence for the Porsche case.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that the MahaCrimeOS AI tool 'is being made available to more than 1100 police stations across Maharashtra.'

Explanation

The article states the platform works by 'extracting key information with AI, automatically organising it, suggesting investigation steps, linking related cases, and generating draft legal notices.' Its purpose is to speed up and standardize cybercrime investigations, not directly issue challans (which is a separate traffic project) or monitor social media for propaganda.

Explanation

The Supreme Court quashed the proceedings under Section 420 IPC (Cheating) against the film producer. Section 406 relates to criminal breach of trust, which was also quashed earlier by the High Court. Section 138 is under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Supreme Court ruled the opposite: failure to generate profits from a movie cannot, by itself, amount to cheating. Statement 2 is correct, as the judgment reiterates this settled legal principle. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Court explicitly stated that dishonour of a post-dated cheque by itself is not sufficient to presume dishonest intention from the beginning.

Explanation

According to the article, the investor had advanced nearly Rs 48 lakh in multiple tranches between December 2013 and April 2014. The other options are distractors: Rs 24 lakh was the amount of each of the two dishonoured cheques.

Explanation

The core ruling is that criminal liability (cheating) requires fraudulent intent from the start, and mere commercial loss in a high-risk business like filmmaking does not constitute a crime. This protects entrepreneurs from criminalization of business risk. The other options are incorrect extrapolations not supported by the judgment.

Explanation

Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 mandates that companies meeting specified financial thresholds must spend at least 2% of their average net profits of the preceding three financial years on CSR activities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Bill aims to amend the LLP Act, 2008 and the Companies Act. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Finance Minister clarified the Bill only seeks to amend the criteria of net profits for CSR, not remove the clause. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the Bill addresses gaps identified by the Company Law Committee in its 2022 report.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Lok Sabha referred the Bill on Monday, March 23, 2026. This is a direct factual recall question testing attention to the date mentioned in the news.

Explanation

The article clearly states the Bill aims to facilitate ease of doing business, advance the agenda of decriminalising minor corporate offences, and reduce the compliance burden. The other options are not mentioned as objectives in the provided content.

Explanation

The Enforcement Directorate is a law enforcement agency under the Department of Revenue, which falls under the Union Ministry of Finance. It is responsible for investigating economic crimes like money laundering.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the SC observed the agencies showed 'reluctance'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the SIT was constituted on February 12, 2026, not March 23. Statement 3 is correct as the wrongful loss is ₹40,185.55 crore.

Explanation

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that assets worth ₹15,000 crore had been seized during the investigation. ₹40,185.55 crore is the identified wrongful loss, not the seized assets.

Explanation

The Supreme Court emphasized that the investigation 'must inspire confidence not only of the court, but of every stakeholder' and that the public must be convinced it was fair and independent. This was its central directive.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the FDI data was released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The RBI is India's central bank and is responsible for compiling and publishing balance of payments data, including FDI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article clearly states India saw a net FDI outflow of $1.39 billion in January 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect: Gross FDI declined by 33% from December 2025 to $5.67 billion. Statement 3 is correct: The article defines repatriation as 'foreign investors taking back money they had previously invested in India'.

Explanation

The article states: 'In January, gross FDI into India declined to an 11-month low of $5.67 billion'. $4.92 billion is the repatriation figure, $1.39 billion is the net outflow, and $79.32 billion is the gross inflow for April 2025-January 2026 period.

Explanation

The article directly links rupee depreciation to 'weakness in FDI flows' and the pullout of funds by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs). It states FPIs pulled out billions, 'leading to the rupee dropping past 92-, 93-, and 94-per-dollar levels'. Other options are not mentioned as primary causes in the article.

Explanation

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) is a statutory body constituted under Section 27 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act). Its primary function is to provide care, protection, and rehabilitation for children in need. The POCSO Act deals specifically with sexual offences against children.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the magistrate recorded the child's statement with the accused in the room. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the mother was NOT allowed when the CWC was recording the statement. Statement 3 is correct; the Court directed the District and Sessions Judge to obtain the magistrate's comments. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi mentioned before the Supreme Court that "not a thing has happened [by way of arrests] in four weeks [since the FIR was registered]". The article also notes arrests were made on a Saturday, following the Court's scrutiny.

Explanation

The Supreme Court's primary concern, as highlighted by the CJI's remarks and the counsel's arguments, was the series of procedural violations: recording the child's statement before the accused, CWC recording without the parent, and police inaction for weeks. These lapses re-traumatize the child and violate the protective intent of the POCSO Act.

Explanation

As per the article, Bharat-VISTAAR aims to integrate AgriStack portals and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) data to provide advisory support. ICAR is the apex body for agricultural research in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the pilot reached 3.88 crore farmers via SMS. Statement 2 is incorrect because the outlay is ₹2,817 crore, not over ₹3,000 crore. Statement 3 is incorrect as Kisan e-Mitra operates in 11 languages, not over 20.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that over 7.63 crore Farmer IDs have been generated as of November last year. The target is 11 crore by 2026-27, making 7.63 crore the correct current figure.

Explanation

The article mentions that the AI Playbook, developed with the World Economic Forum, acknowledges fragmented data ecosystems, limited digital infrastructure, affordability barriers, and last-mile delivery challenges as critical constraints. This directly points to option B as the primary challenge.

Explanation

The article mentions India building strategic petroleum reserves. The Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL), which manages these reserves, operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This is a key static fact for energy security.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as PM Modi explicitly stated that attacks on commercial ships and blockage of the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states India imports nearly 60% of its LPG needs, not crude oil. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned that over three lakh Indians have returned home safely. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India has built strategic petroleum reserves exceeding 53 lakh metric tonnes, with more capacity under development. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors based on other potential reserve capacities.

Explanation

The article repeatedly emphasizes India's high stakes: around one crore Indians live in the Gulf, the region fulfills a large part of India's energy needs (60% LPG), and it is a key trade route employing many Indians. While diplomacy is a tool, the core concern stems from these tangible national interests.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India, the permanent constitutional body responsible for conducting elections, is established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. This article vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the Commission.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the State CEO proposed the transfers, but the final order was issued by the Election Commission of India. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the deployment of 478 central observers. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that among the transfers, 13 officers are from North 24 Parganas, which is the highest number mentioned for any single district. South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur had 10 transfers each.

Explanation

The Election Commission's core constitutional mandate under Article 324 is to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections. Transferring officials perceived to be partisan or under influence is a key tool to uphold the integrity and impartiality of the electoral process, which is directly stated in the EC's order for these transfers.