24 April 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the discussion with Anthropic's senior leadership was initiated by the Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministry of Finance later chaired a meeting on the financial sector risks.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says Mythos is 'the most powerful model' with 'unprecedented ability' to find vulnerabilities. Statement 2 is correct as Anthropic is coordinating with the US government on 'providing access to Mythos'. Statement 3 is correct as Project Glasswing 'aims to assist companies that hope to use Mythos to step up cyber-defenses before it is widely released'.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions 'critical infrastructure — banking, energy, telecom —' as the sectors Anthropic is talking to governments about safeguarding. Defense is not listed among the explicitly mentioned critical infrastructure sectors in this context.

Explanation

The article states that the company is 'deliberately keeping the technology away from the public for now — the reason being the model’s unprecedented ability to autonomously identify serious vulnerabilities... posing significant cyber security threats.' This is the direct reason for withholding release.

Explanation

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions and mandated reservation for women. The article explicitly mentions the '73rd Constitutional Amendment' as deepening democratic governance through women's participation in Panchayats.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states that authority from Panchayat roles becomes 'constitutive of power — extending from governance into the household'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article specifically says the Act seeks to move 'beyond token representation' by enabling Dalit women's agency. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly calls it 'the single biggest reform to political and moral democracy since the framing of the Constitution itself'.

Explanation

While the exact percentage is not repeated in this article, it is a fundamental static fact linked to the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992, which is the core subject of the news. The Amendment mandates reservation of 'not less than one-third' of seats for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Explanation

The article argues that reservation in higher legislatures holds the potential to ensure 'that women in power are not an exception but a norm'. While it mentions trickle-down effects on corporate ceilings and party reforms, the primary structural outcome highlighted is this institutionalization of presence.

Explanation

The article's byline clearly states 'The writer is chief economist, CareEdge Ratings'. This is a direct factual recall from the source, testing attention to detail.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's projection. Statement 2 is incorrect; the CAD is projected to widen to 2.1%, not narrow. Statement 3 is correct as the article states India imports 51% of its oil from West Asia. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'CPI inflation is likely to average 4.6 per cent this year as against our pre-conflict projection of 4.3 per cent.' The other options are the pre-conflict projection (4.3%), a higher distractor (5.0%), and the pre-crisis benign inflation rate (2.0%).

Explanation

The article's concluding section emphasizes that the crisis 'has highlighted the urgent need for India to strengthen its energy security' and 'build broader resilience to all kinds of global supply disruptions.' The other options are either short-term measures or contrary to the analysis provided.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central bank and is responsible for compiling and releasing data related to the country's Balance of Payments, which includes Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows and outflows. The article explicitly states the data was released by the RBI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states gross FDI grew 61.6%, but it does not specify this is compared to the 'previous month'. It is a general growth figure. Statement 3 is correct as a '45-month high' equates to nearly four years, which is approximately 'nearly three years'—a close approximation often used in exams. Hence, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "Gross FDI in February 2026... grew 61.6% to a seven-month high of nearly $9 billion." Option A ($4.6B) is the net FDI figure, making it a direct distractor. The other options are plausible but incorrect values.

Explanation

FDI is a key component of the Capital Account in the Balance of Payments (BoP). Positive net FDI inflows represent a stable source of external financing that does not create repayment liability (unlike external debt), thereby bolstering BoP stability and supporting the domestic currency. It does not directly impact fiscal deficit (A), repo rate (C), or subsidies (D).

Explanation

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was constituted under Section 45ZB of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934, as amended in 2016. Its primary objective is to determine the policy interest rate to achieve the inflation target.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; GDP growth is projected to decline to 6.9% in FY27 from 7.6% in FY26. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Governor explicitly stated that the risks represent a 'supply shock', not a demand shock.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the central bank projected headline retail inflation to average 4.6% in the current fiscal (FY27). The repo rate is 5.25%, which is a close distractor.

Explanation

The Governor stated that prolonged conflict 'can make the task of central banks arduous in their endeavour to rein in inflation expectations while minimising growth sacrifice.' This directly captures the core monetary policy dilemma in the face of persistent supply-side shocks.

Explanation

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is a statutory body that functions as the nodal agency for adoption under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India. This linkage is crucial for Polity and Governance sections.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the bench comprised Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan, not the CJI. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Court explicitly held that reproductive autonomy is an integral part of personal liberty and privacy under Article 21.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the petitioner was a 15-year-old girl seeking termination of her 7-month pregnancy. These specific data points are often tested in Prelims to check factual reading of important judgments.

Explanation

The Supreme Court held that "the right to make decisions concerning one's body, particularly in matters of reproduction, is an integral facet of personal liberty and privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution." This application of Article 21 to reproductive autonomy is a key takeaway for Mains answers.

Explanation

Part XVI (Articles 330 to 342) of the Constitution contains special provisions for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Anglo-Indians, including reservations in legislatures and services. Articles 15(4) and 16(4) in Part III enable reservations, but the specific structural provisions for SCs/STs are in Part XVI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the allocation is within the existing 15% quota, not 17%. Statement 2 is correct as per the article, which states the move is a result of demands from the most backward groups (SC 'left'). Statement 3 is incorrect because the 6:6:5 ratio within 17% has been stayed by the courts and is not implemented; the Cabinet approved a temporary 5.25:5.25:4.5 ratio under 15%.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Cabinet decided on "4.5% reservation for other communities" within the SC category. The quotas for SC 'left' and SC 'right' are 5.25% each, making the total 15%.

Explanation

The article directly states that the decision "will pave the way for recruitment of government staff, which had been stalled for over a year." While other options might be related outcomes or contexts, the stated primary administrative objective was to unblock the stalled recruitment process.

Explanation

The article mentions the Ministry of External Affairs' official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explaining the difficulty in forging a BRICS consensus. The MEA handles India's foreign relations and diplomatic engagements.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as India, the 2026 chair, issued a Chair's Summary. Statement 2 is incorrect; a Chair's Summary is issued by the host and is not agreed to by all members, unlike a joint statement. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article that they agreed to meet again under China's Chairship in 2027.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the BRICS Deputy Foreign Ministers and Special Envoys on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) met on 24 April 2026 in New Delhi. 13 March and 12 March are dates related to earlier diplomatic contacts, and 14 May is the scheduled Foreign Ministers' meeting.

Explanation

The MEA spokesperson stated that some BRICS members are directly involved in the current situation in West Asia, which impacted forging a consensus. This refers to members like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE being parties to or affected by the conflict.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the high-level meeting on April 23, 2026, to assess risks to India's financial sector from the Mythos model. The Finance Ministry oversees the banking sector, which is directly threatened.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the UK AISI evaluation mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states Opus 4.6 had a 'near-0% success rate', while Mythos was in a 'different league altogether' with much higher success. Statement 3 is correct as the article highlights Mythos's growing 'agentic' behaviour for multi-stage attacks.

Explanation

The article specifically states that one of the UK AISI's headline findings was that the Mythos model 'was able to solve 73% of expert-level cybersecurity challenges in benchmark settings'. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The core concern driving the regulatory response is the model's standout capability in cybersecurity tasks—being incredibly effective at both finding/fixing vulnerabilities and exploiting them. This dual-use nature poses a significant national security risk, as highlighted by the high-level meetings in India and the US. While other options might be related to AI risks, they are not the primary focus of this specific news.

Explanation

The article explicitly discusses the role and plans of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the statutory planning authority for the MMR established under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions MMRDA secured a ₹4.07 lakh crore loan line from agencies including Power Finance Corporation. Statement 2 is incorrect; the total area of Third Mumbai is 323.44 sq km, with only 104 sq km available for development. Statement 3 is correct as the article states MMRDA lacks direct control over subcontractors but fines contractors heavily, citing a ₹1 crore fine example.

Explanation

The article specifically states that the total area of Third Mumbai is 323.44 sq km. The 104 sq km is the portion available for development, 83,000 acres is MMRDA's land bank, and 165 hectares is the total area of BKC.

Explanation

The article clearly states the vision is to improve quality of life, allowing people to live farther from the main city in larger homes amid open spaces, while seamless connectivity ensures daily travel is not a problem. The other options are either secondary aspects (tolling) or misrepresent the stated approach (no hurry for concrete jungle).

Explanation

The article states the Bill was 'introduced on Wednesday (April 22) by Congressman Eli Crane'. Congressmen are members of the House of Representatives, the lower house of the US Congress.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the Bill proposes 'replacing the lottery with a wage-based system'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Bill proposes a 'reduced cap of 25,000', not an increase to 50,000. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly states the Bill calls for 'an end to OPT'.

Explanation

The article clearly states the Bill proposes 'a $200,000 salary threshold' and later reiterates 'setting a minimum salary of $200,000'. The other figures are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

Attorney Rajiv Khanna is quoted stating that if companies cannot hire talent in the US, 'they will move work to where the talent is, whether in Bangalore, Toronto, London, or Singapore'. This is presented as a direct economic impact, while the other options are not supported by the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Canada's financial intelligence agency, FINTRAC, released the special bulletin. RCMP and CBSA are law enforcement partners mentioned in the context of summits, while CSIS is not mentioned.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article specifies the targets are typically male international students. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article mentions informal channels like hawala and methods like email transfers and cash deposits, not formal channels like stock markets. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly mentions the Bishnoi gang's involvement.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Since the start of 2026, FINTRAC has issued more than 100 financial intelligence disclosures related to extortion...'. The other options are incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article quotes the Finance Minister stating the strategy aims 'to detect, disrupt and defeat the networks behind these crimes'. The other options are not mentioned as objectives of this specific strategy in the article.

Explanation

The news article discusses the Supreme Court's interpretation of police arrest powers in private complaint cases, specifically referencing Sections 87 and 202. These sections are part of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, which lays down the procedural law for administering criminal justice in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Supreme Court held emphatically that police have no power to arrest even during an inquiry under Section 202 CrPC. Statement 2 is correct as per the ruling: arrest requires a specific non-bailable warrant from the court. Statement 3 is correct; the Court explicitly flagged a 'serious problem' in Bihar and Jharkhand regarding unnecessary anticipatory bail pleas.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the bench hearing the Special Leave Petition and delivering the ruling consisted of Justices J B Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan. Memorizing the composition of significant benches is a common Prelims question pattern.

Explanation

The Supreme Court emphasized that once a magistrate takes cognisance and issues summons in a private complaint, the process is between the court and the accused. The accused's obligation is to appear before that court, not to fear arrest by police. This clarifies the procedure and reduces unnecessary legal steps like anticipatory bail.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Supreme Court invoked Article 142 of the Constitution. This article empowers the Supreme Court to pass any decree or order necessary for doing complete justice in any matter before it.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the Court invoked Article 142. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court directed 'out-of-turn' hearings for petitioners who made out a case of grievance, not that all appeals must be heard before elections. Statement 3 is a direct quote from CJI Surya Kant's remarks in the article.

Explanation

The article states, 'Only 139 appeals have been disposed out of 27 lakh.' The other options are incorrect distractors with altered numbers.

Explanation

The article states the top court 'directed the appellate tribunals to give out-of-turn hearings to persons who have filed appeals against exclusion.' This was the specific procedural direction given to address the grievance of pending appeals.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda recently launched the indigenously manufactured Td vaccine. This falls under the purview of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article mentions 17 cases of respiratory diphtheria and 60 cases of cutaneous diphtheria in Australia's Northern Territory. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article attributes the resurgence to gaps in vaccination coverage and waning immunity, not to a vaccine-resistant strain. Statement 3 is correct: The article states treatment involves diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics like penicillin or erythromycin.

Explanation

The article specifically states that a diphtheria outbreak in Rajasthan's Deeg in 2024 led to the deaths of seven children. The other options are numerical distractors not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The article states the Td vaccine is "aimed at improving adult immunisation coverage and reducing vulnerability to infections like diphtheria." It is a booster for adults, not a replacement for childhood vaccines, and it targets both tetanus and diphtheria.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s balance of payment (BoP) data showed...' The RBI is India's central bank and is responsible for compiling and publishing macroeconomic data including BoP.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Current Account includes goods (Balance of Trade) and 'Invisibles' (services, transfers, income). Statement 2 is correct: BoP = Current Account + Capital Account; a capital inflow can finance a CAD. Statement 3 is correct: Article states forex reserves 'can cover roughly over 12 months of imports'. All statements are accurate.

Explanation

The article provides the exact figures: 'CAD has moderated to $30.1 billion or 1% of GDP in the period of April-December 2025 from $36.6 billion (1.3 per cent of GDP) during April-December 2024.' $36.6 billion is the figure for 2024, while $23.9bn and $14.1bn are historical surplus amounts mentioned for other years.

Explanation

The article states: 'A sharp jump in oil prices in August 1990 had led to an acute economic crisis...' and 'Signs of the payment crisis became evident... when the Gulf war led to a sharp increase in the oil prices.' The Gulf War (Iraq-Kuwait) is the identified trigger, not the other options which are either not mentioned or are consequences.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India, the permanent constitutional body responsible for conducting elections, is established under Article 324 of the Constitution. Articles 356, 352, and 368 relate to President's Rule, National Emergency, and the power to amend the Constitution, respectively.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's data. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article explicitly states the transition 'did little to dismantle this entrenched cadre culture'. Statement 3 is correct as improved governance and EC oversight are highlighted as reasons for Bihar's progress.

Explanation

The article states that elections in Bihar, which once required five to seven phases due to security concerns, were conducted in only two phases in November 2025. This highlights the improvement in the security situation and electoral management.

Explanation

The article identifies that in West Bengal, 'the ruling party seems to have penetrated into grassroots administration, and the police neutrality is suspect'. This entrenched politicization of local institutions is presented as a core challenge, unlike the other options which are either not highlighted as primary or are suggested as solutions.

Explanation

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are climate action plans that each country submits under the Paris Agreement, which was adopted in 2015. The Kyoto Protocol had different mechanisms, and the other conventions deal with different environmental issues.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: India is ranked ninth, not fifth. Statement 2 is correct as per the article: the Belém Adaptation Indicators were adopted at COP30. Statement 3 is incorrect: the goal to triple adaptation finance is by 2035, not 2030, and it is a global commitment mentioned in the context of the article, not a specific aim of India's NDCs.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 430 extreme weather events recorded between 1995 and 2024 caused losses of $170 billion. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article concludes that achieving the adaptation goals in the NDCs 'will require sustained financing and institutionalising adaptation from national to the grass-root levels.' The other options are either not mentioned or contradict the article's focus on scaling adaptation.

Explanation

The NIA was created as a federal agency specifically by the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The UAPA is a separate law under which organizations like SIMI are banned.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The ATS invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), not UAPA. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is correct: the special court discharged nine men in 2016 after the NIA pointed to a different set of accused.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the blasts resulted in the deaths of 31 people and left 312 injured. This is a key factual data point from the case.

Explanation

The HC observed that the prosecution's case against the NIA-booked accused rested 'solely on circumstantial evidence' and retracted confessional statements, and that the agency produced no direct witnesses. This was flagged as a fundamental flaw.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is a vital global oil transit route, as mentioned in the article where its closure by Iran is a key leverage point.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US proposed a 20-year halt, while Iran indicated a cap of up to five years. Statement 3 is correct, as Pakistan is mentioned as a useful mediator hosting the J D Vance-Ghalibaf talks.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Iran is seeking relief from sanctions and the release of its frozen assets, estimated at $100 billion, in the US, Europe, and the Gulf. This is a key data point in the economic dimension of the conflict.

Explanation

The article clearly states India's interest is due to 10 million citizens living in the Gulf, 60% of its energy needs sourced from the region, and significant Gulf investments in its economy. Other options are not mentioned as primary reasons in the provided content.

Explanation

The Delimitation Commission is a high-powered body established by an Act of Parliament. Its orders have the force of law and cannot be questioned in any court, as mentioned in the Delimitation Commission Act. The Election Commission conducts elections based on these finalized constituencies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the defeat "must actually be seen as a victory for the idea of a federal state." Statement 2 is incorrect because the article says the consumption level of SCs in these states is "higher than the national average." Statement 3 is incorrect; the proportion is 5% in Tamil Nadu and 9% in Kerala, making it lower in TN.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The proportion of women is 9 per cent in Kerala’s legislature." Option A (5%) is the figure for Tamil Nadu, and option C (14%) is the national average for women judges in high courts, creating close distractors.

Explanation

The article's central critique is that while southern states have made progress on caste-based welfare (distribution of goods), they have failed on gender justice in political power, as evidenced by low female representation. The final sentence explicitly states: "Social justice has been imagined solely in terms of the distribution of goods, with power elided."

Explanation

CAG stands for the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the supreme audit institution of India established under Article 148 of the Constitution. It audits all receipts and expenditure of the Government of India and the state governments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: revised estimates indicated 17% growth. Statement 2 is correct: State GST contracted by 1.2%. Statement 3 is incorrect; central grants contracted by 11.5%, while the revised estimates had indicated a 56% expansion.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "For 2025-26, we expect actual capex at Rs 8.6-8.9 trillion in FY2026." The other figures are close distractors related to the budget estimate (₹10.9T) or hypothetical ranges.

Explanation

The article directly states: "If states’ revenues fall short of expectations, as we fear, they will have to cut back on spending to avoid breaching their borrowing limits, unless they have carried forward substantial cash balances." This is a direct application of fiscal rules.

Explanation

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) is the specialized statutory body established under the Motor Vehicles Act to adjudicate such claims. The news article mentions the MACT award being challenged before the High Court.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the compensation was enhanced from ₹4.55 lakh to ₹16.92 lakh. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court explicitly accepted and emphasized the concept of 'multifarious services' to monetize a homemaker's contribution. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the court referenced the case National Insurance Co Ltd v. Dhan Singh.

Explanation

The article states: 'Keeping in mind the considerations, notional income of the deceased as housewife-cum-seamstress could not be assessed less than Rs 8,000 per month against an accident which took place on 21.06.2009.' ₹5,000 was the erroneously assessed income by the tribunal, ₹11,000 was referenced from a 2017 case, and ₹16,000 was claimed by the petitioners.

Explanation

The court's core reasoning, as stated in the article, was that 'the notional income of a housewife needs to be considered, keeping in mind multifarious services rendered by her for the family.' This principle led to the enhanced compensation. The other options are contrary to the judgment's findings.

Explanation

The article is from the RBI's monthly bulletin and is authored by RBI researchers. The news explicitly mentions it as an 'RBI bulletin article' and 'authored by RBI researchers'.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's warning about domestic challenges. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says RBI projected growth to decline to 6.9% (not 6.5%). Statement 3 is correct as the article specifically mentions the near halt in the Strait of Hormuz impacting supply chains.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'headline retail inflation is set to average 4.6% in the current fiscal.' The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article emphasizes disruptions in trade flows and global supply chains, particularly via the Strait of Hormuz, leading to higher energy costs and input cost pressures. While other options are potential indirect effects, the primary channel discussed is supply chain disruption.

Explanation

The IEA was created in 1974 within the framework of the OECD to coordinate responses to major oil supply disruptions. While it works globally, its core membership consists of industrialized OECD countries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the loss is 15% of global supply, not 25%. Statement 3 is incorrect; the closure was of the Strait of Hormuz, not the Strait of Malacca.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026 effectively reduced the combined LNG production of Qatar and the UAE by around 10 bcm for that month.

Explanation

India is a major importer of LNG to meet its energy needs. A significant global supply shortage, as warned by the IEA, could lead to price spikes, increasing India's import bill and posing a challenge to its energy security, necessitating strategic planning.

Explanation

The 'State of the Economy' report is a periodic publication by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's central bank, which analyses domestic and global economic developments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the RBI warns of the possibility of a supply shock turning into a demand shock. Statement 2 is incorrect; the indicators are from March 2026, not February. Statement 3 is incorrect; the report points towards a 'moderation in business optimism,' not strong optimism.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'In March, available high-frequency indicators of economic activity displayed divergent trends.' The other months are not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The article directly links the supply-side stress to the 'West Asia crisis.' While other options are potential global stressors, only the West Asia crisis is mentioned in the context of this specific RBI analysis.

Explanation

The article states the approvals came ahead of an informal summit of the bloc's leaders in Cyprus, which Ukrainian President Zelenskyy attended.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article date and amount. Statement 2 is incorrect; the loan covers two-thirds of Ukraine's needs for the next two years, not the entire requirement for five years. Statement 3 is correct as it mentions the 20th sanctions package.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the loan amount as "90-billion-euro ($105-billion)". The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article states economists warned Ukraine would start to run out of money by June if the EU loan was not disbursed, which would require deep cuts to public services. The loan directly aims to prevent this fiscal shortfall.

Explanation

The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) is spearheaded by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) in coordination with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution for sugar feedstock. The Ministry of Road Transport is involved in vehicle policy, but the fuel blending programme's nodal ministry is MoPNG.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the EBP was launched in 2003 and was dormant initially. Statement 2 is incorrect because blending was only around 2% in 2014, not 10%. Statement 3 is correct as reducing crude oil imports and enhancing energy security are core objectives of the programme. Hence, both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that one litre of petrol supplies 45-55% more energy than one litre of ethanol because ethanol is less energy-dense. This is a key technical fact with implications for vehicle efficiency and fuel economics.

Explanation

The article notes that a government notification extended the use of ethanol to make Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This diversifies ethanol's role beyond blending with petrol and aligns with efforts to decarbonise the aviation sector.

Explanation

Entry 6 of the Concurrent List (List III) covers 'Public health and sanitation; hospitals and dispensaries'. This constitutional provision is the basis for the coordinated action between the Union and State governments directed by the Supreme Court in the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court set a 3-week deadline for the entire exercise (from consultations to roadmap), not for submitting final reports directly to the SC within a week. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the Court asked the Union Health Ministry to formally issue the guidelines as an advisory.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Supreme Court directed that 'the entire exercise, from consultations to preparation of a concrete implementation roadmap, must be completed within a strict three-week timeline.' The first meeting must be held within one week, but the complete roadmap deadline is three weeks.

Explanation

The article mentions that practical suggestions from experts included 'creating a GPS-based hospital locator to help patients identify nearby facilities in emergencies.' The other options are not mentioned in the provided article content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'State of the Economy' article is published in the RBI monthly bulletin and is authored by RBI researchers. The RBI regularly publishes bulletins containing economic analysis.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's core warning. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bulletin clearly states the views are of the authors and do not represent the views of the RBI. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article mentions a temporary two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, not Israel and Hamas.

Explanation

The article states: "The RBI earlier this month projected that India’s GDP growth will decline to 6.9% in FY27 from 7.6% in FY26." The other options are distractors: 7.6% is the growth for FY26, while 6.5% and 7.2% are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article directly links the conflict to risks of 'higher energy costs, rising input prices' which are classic supply-side drivers of inflation. While other options might be secondary effects, the primary and direct transmission channel identified is the cost-push inflation from elevated energy prices.