24 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

Section 43D(5) is a specific provision of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. It is this section that makes securing bail under the anti-terror law particularly difficult, as detailed in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states Section 43D(5) 'turned bail jurisprudence on its head' and reversed the 'bail, not jail' presumption. Statement 2 is correct: The Najeeb judgment settled that an undertrial cannot be made to 'indefinitely wait behind bars'. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Watali judgment held that an 'elaborate examination' of evidence was NOT necessary; courts needed only to see 'broad probabilities'.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that Justice Bhuyan in the Andrabi judgment 'pointed out that the conviction rate under UAPA was only 2-6% across the country.' This statistic was used to argue against denying bail solely based on offence gravity.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Najeeb judgment held constitutional courts must intervene to protect the 'fundamental right to life and personal liberty under Article 21'. It clarified that Section 43D(5) was subordinate to Article 21, which encompasses the right to a speedy trial.

Explanation

The article explicitly states it is the 'official Indian Army inquiry' commissioned by the then acting Chief of Army Staff, General J.N. Chaudhuri. It was an internal operations review of the Army's performance.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: commissioned in late 1962/early 1963 and submitted in mid-1963. Statement 2 is incorrect; the report remains officially classified as 'Top Secret' and has not been declassified. Statement 3 is correct as leaked portions criticized the 'Forward Policy' and highlighted poor preparation.

Explanation

The article states: 'In March 2014, Australian-British journalist Neville Maxwell... uploaded Part I of the report (approximately 126 pages) online.' The other options are distractors not mentioned.

Explanation

In his August 9, 1963 letter to Gen. Thapar, Nehru wrote that he agreed with the Defence Minister that 'this report should be kept secret as far as possible' because if shown to others, 'it might not be kept wholly secret'. This rationale aligns with national security concerns.

Explanation

As per the article and standard defence procurement procedure, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by the Defence Minister, is the body that first grants approval. The CCS gives final approval before contract signing.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states DAC grants approval first, following which the LoR is issued. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article explicitly says 'having complete access to the source code is unlikely'; India is negotiating for Interface Control Documents (ICD) instead. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions 'The indigenous content of the jets would be nearly 50 per cent.'

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Around 90 jets from this set of 114 are to be manufactured in India...' 26 is the number of Rafale M jets for the Navy, and 36 is the number of Rafales already operated by the IAF.

Explanation

The article states that India is negotiating for ICDs 'to be able to integrate indigenous weapons such as Astra and BrahMos-NG.' An ICD is a technical blueprint for communication between the aircraft and external weapons, which is crucial for strategic autonomy. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Pakistan's government and Army, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, are involved in the 'initiative of mediation' between Iran and the US.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Ambassador, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said this on May 24, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the mediation involves multiple Pakistani entities including the Prime Minister, Army Chief, Interior Minister, and Foreign Minister, not just the Foreign Ministry. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the 'Iran-Israel war' as the backdrop.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said on Sunday (May 24, 2026) that a "positive stride" was taking place...' The other dates are close distractors.

Explanation

The core theme of the article is Pakistan's diplomatic initiative to mediate and bring the US and Iran closer to a peace deal. The Iranian envoy's statement thanks Pakistan for its 'sincere endeavours' and 'initiative of mediation' aimed at 'lasting peace in the region'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the China Manned Space Agency provided information about the mission. CNSA is the main space agency, but CMSA specifically handles human spaceflight programs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Li Jiaying is identified as the first Hong Kong astronaut and a former police inspector. Statement 2 is correct as the article states the year-long stay is a Chinese record but shorter than the Russian record of 14.5 months. Statement 3 is correct as the article states China plans to establish a permanent lunar base by 2035 with Russia.

Explanation

The article repeatedly mentions China's ambition for a crewed moon landing by 2030. 2028 is NASA's target, 2035 is the target for a permanent lunar base, and 2040 is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article states the year-long mission enables the study of long-duration human physiology in space, including radiation exposure, bone density loss, and psychological stress. While the artificial embryo experiment is mentioned, it is a separate experiment sent earlier. The autonomous docking is a procedure for the launch, not the primary scientific objective of the year-long stay.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'Deemed Distribution Licensee' is defined under the Electricity Act, 2003. This Act is the primary legislation governing the power sector in India, including licensing, tariffs, and consumer rights.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Supreme Court decision is likely to put further pressure as traction energy costs are likely to increase by more than 30%. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article clarifies that the operating ratio 'should be as low as possible'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions freight earnings alone contribute to over 65% Railways' total revenue.

Explanation

The article provides the precise figure: 'The total amount spent by Railways for traction electricity during 2024-25 was Rs 32,378 crores.' The other options are distractors: Rs 1.77 lakh crore was freight earnings in 2025-26, Rs 75,368 crore was passenger revenue in 2024-25, and Rs 2,660 crore was net earnings in 2024-25.

Explanation

The core impact of losing 'Deemed Licensee' status, as explained in the article, is that Railways will now have to pay the Cross-Subsidy Surcharge and Additional Surcharge when procuring electricity through open access. These surcharges were previously not applicable, leading to the projected >30% increase in traction energy costs. The other options are not mentioned as direct consequences in the article.

Explanation

The Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) is a framework managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The article explicitly states that the data was released by the RBI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states 'overseas transactions made through debit cards were already counted under the LRS framework'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the annual ceiling is $250,000, not $500,000. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the move aims 'to create uniformity across payment instruments... and prevent misuse'.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The "other travel" segment — covering holiday expenses and international credit card bill settlements — accounted for $623 million (over Rs 5,900 crore) in the month of March 2026.' $450.16M is for education, $1.09B is total travel remittance, and $2.59B is total LRS.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'The government has brought overseas spending through credit cards under the LRS to curb excessive foreign exchange outflows and close regulatory loopholes.' The other options are either not mentioned or are secondary effects, not the primary objective.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the sewerage infrastructure is being strengthened under the Namami Gange Mission Phase-2. This is the flagship central government scheme for Ganga rejuvenation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Special Secretary stated 74 projects have been approved. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article mentions 41 projects are completed, not all 74. Statement 3 is correct as it directly quotes the core objective of the projects.

Explanation

The article specifies that the two large STPs in Agra (31 MLD and 35 MLD) cost ₹842 crore. ₹308 crore is for the Varanasi STP, ₹65 crore for the Unnao STP, and ₹1,215 crore is the approximate total of the three mentioned projects.

Explanation

The article repeatedly states the core aim is to treat wastewater flowing into rivers through drains to completely prevent river pollution. While treated water reuse is a related policy, the primary objective stated is pollution prevention for rivers like Ganga and Yamuna.

Explanation

The article states that Railways began operating under the 'deemed licensee' tag in November 2015 following a Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) order. The Appellate Tribunal later revoked this status.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the SC upheld the tribunal order cancelling the 'deemed licensee' status. Statement 2 is correct as the article explains the two surcharges Railways must now pay. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Railway Board warned costs could rise by over 30%, not decrease.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Now, 99.6% of the country’s tracks are electrified.' The 40% figure refers to the electrification level in 2017, making it a key distractor.

Explanation

The core impact is financial. The article states the ruling could push traction energy costs up by over 30%, adding pressure on the operating ratio. While freight earnings are declining, the order does not directly boost them. Pension costs are rising, not reducing.

Explanation

The article quotes the U.P. Industrial Development Minister providing key data on savings, investment, and the corridor's economic role. While central bodies may be involved, the state's Industrial Development department is the nodal agency highlighted for the project's industrial and economic projections.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the projected savings range is ₹25,000-30,000 crore, not ₹20,000-25,000 crore. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists these districts among the 12 it passes through. Hence, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the state has received 987 investment proposals worth about ₹46,660 crore along the corridor. ₹25,000-30,000 crore is the annual savings projection, and ₹1 lakh crore is the estimated long-term economic contribution.

Explanation

The U.P. Industrial Development Minister explicitly states, "The expressway is not merely a road project but an integrated manufacturing and logistics corridor." The article elaborates on its role in attracting industrial investment, developing nodes, and streamlining supply chains for sectors like e-commerce and pharmaceuticals.

Explanation

As per the article, Indian Railways began operating under the 'deemed licensee' tag in November 2015 following a Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) order. CERC is the statutory regulator for the power sector at the central level.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The new rule is a reversal of the 'Adjustment of Status' policy; it now requires applicants to return to their home country. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's 'Do You Know' section on QUAD. Statement 3 is incorrect; the survey revealed a 35% decline, not an increase, in species.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Indian Railways spent Rs 32,378 crore to run trains in 2024-25. This is a key data point highlighting the scale of operations and the potential impact of the Supreme Court's ruling on costs.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that most dragonfly species cannot tolerate polluted waters, and their decline signals degradation of freshwater habitats. This makes them excellent bioindicators, a core concept in environmental ecology. Their role is not primarily as pollinators, apex predators, or for soil cycling.

Explanation

As per the article and static GK, the UPSC is the constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Constitution responsible for conducting the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which includes the Prelims. The SSC conducts other non-UPSC exams.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states History and Art & Culture had the highest share with 20 questions. Statement 2 is correct: It mentions UPSC is expected to release provisional answer keys shortly after the exam for the first time. Statement 3 is incorrect: CSAT is Paper-II, not the first paper (GS Paper-I is the first paper).

Explanation

The article explicitly states, "Polity and Governance... saw comparatively fewer questions this year, with only eight asked in the paper." The other numbers correspond to Environment (11), Geography (13), and Economy (19).

Explanation

The article directly states that the enhanced verification measures were "aimed at improving transparency and preventing impersonation during the examination process." The other options are potential side benefits or unrelated objectives not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is the narrow passage connecting the Gulf of Oman (to the east) with the Persian Gulf (to the west). It is a critical global oil transit route, making its status a major point in US-Iran negotiations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article mentions a '60-day ceasefire extension is also on the cards'. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states Iran has NOT officially agreed to hand over its uranium, and reports are divergent. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article says the deal 'could also remain silent over... Iran's support to its regional allies'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, citing a senior Tehran source, that Iran's stockpile 'is about 400 kilograms and has been enriched to a 60 percent purity'. The other options are plausible distractors with different figures.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil transit chokepoint. Its closure or instability directly threatens energy security and global oil prices. Reopening it is a key US objective to ensure stable energy supplies, as implied by its inclusion as a central point in the ceasefire negotiations.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) provided the details about Iran possessing 441 kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity. The IAEA is the UN's nuclear watchdog responsible for monitoring nuclear programs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions a 60-day ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran's uranium is enriched to 60% purity, not 90%; 90% is the weapons-grade level mentioned for contrast. Statement 3 is correct as the article reports that part of the uranium could be transferred to a third country, like Russia.

Explanation

The article specifically states that the Strait of Hormuz is responsible for 20 percent of the global oil supply. This is a key data point highlighting the waterway's strategic economic importance.

Explanation

The core of the deal, as per the article, is Iran's commitment not to pursue a nuclear program and to hand over its highly enriched uranium. This directly addresses non-proliferation. Coupled with a ceasefire and reopening of a key oil route, the deal aims to reduce conflict in West Asia.

Explanation

The article mentions the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in the context of sustained campaigns against the drug trade. The NCB is India's premier agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs for combating illicit drug trafficking. Other agencies listed have different primary mandates.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article defines the Golden Crescent (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) as one of the largest opium-producing zones. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly states 'the trafficking of drugs and the trafficking of weapons are rarely separate enterprises'. Statement 3 is correct as the article details Sinha's background from Ghazipur and his time as a student leader at BHU during the peak of the trade.

Explanation

The article specifically states that Pakistani supply networks have extended the reach of the drug trade into Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. While Uttar Pradesh (specifically Ghazipur) is discussed as the historical origin of a major syndicate, it is not mentioned as a current destination for cross-border supply networks from Pakistan in this context.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that 'Public health crises of this nature are not resolved by government action alone; they require communities to believe that change is possible, and to invest their own energy in it.' It notes the campaign has drawn enthusiastic participation from parents, young people, and civic groups, which is cited as significant for its potential success.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "At present, the welfare of the aged comes under the state’s Social Welfare department." This is a direct factual extraction from the news content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The national replacement level TFR is 2.1, and Kerala's TFR of 1.35 is below it. Statement 2 is correct as per the article data. Statement 3 is incorrect: The India Ageing Report 2023 said 17.5% of Kerala's rural population is aged 60+, compared to 15.4% in urban areas, meaning rural areas have a higher density.

Explanation

The article states: "As per the Elderly in India Report of 2021, around 16.5% of the state’s population is aged above 60..." Option A (13.1%) is the all-India figure mentioned for comparison. Option D (20.9%) is the projected figure for 2031.

Explanation

The article identifies three reasons for rapid ageing: declining TFR (now 1.35), increased life expectancy, and mass out-migration of the working-age population, leaving aged parents behind. The combination of low birth rates and youth migration is the core structural demographic driver.

Explanation

The Fifth Schedule (Article 244(1)) of the Indian Constitution deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It establishes Tribal Advisory Councils and grants special powers to the Governor.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article where Amit Shah said "no provision of UCC will be applicable to tribals". Statement 2 is incorrect; the budget was increased from ₹28,000 crore to ₹1.5 lakh crore, not the other way around. Statement 3 is correct as the event 'Janjati Suraksha Samagam' was organized by the RSS-linked Janjati Suraksha Manch (JSM) and Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had increased the tribal welfare budget from Rs 28,000 crore to Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The other figures are distractors; ₹28,000 crore was the earlier amount.

Explanation

The article mentions that tribal groups have expressed apprehension that a UCC could dilute their customary practices. Shah's statement seeks to 'allay apprehensions' and assure them that their rights will be protected, which is a strategic move to build support for the broader UCC project.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed a press conference with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar after their bilateral meeting. While Rubio also met the PM and NSA, the core ministerial meeting was with the EAM.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; Rubio stated the changes 'were not targeted at India' but were 'being applied globally'. Statement 3 is correct as the signing of a comprehensive underwater domain awareness roadmap is mentioned as a key point from the talks.

Explanation

The article directly quotes Marco Rubio stating, 'Over $20 billion has been invested in the US economy by Indian companies.' This is a factual data point used to highlight the economic dimension of the relationship.

Explanation

The article's context is 'Seeking to repair ties' and addressing 'New Delhi’s concerns' on trade, visas, and US-Pakistan ties. Rubio's core message was reaffirming the 'strategic alliance' and assuring that the relationship 'has not lost any momentum', making option B the most accurate reflection of the visit's purpose.