25 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The colonial offence of sedition was codified under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This is the core legal provision discussed in the article regarding its use to quell dissent.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the 2022 stay asked governments to refrain from registering new FIRs. Statement 2 is incorrect: the BNS replaced Section 124A IPC with Section 152, which is 'sedition by a new name'. Statement 3 is correct as the May 2026 clarification said courts may proceed if the accused has no objection.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that when the BNS took effect in 2024, it replaced Section 124A IPC with Section 152 and 'increased the minimum sentence to seven years'. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that consent under such circumstances may be coerced, creating a 'Hobson's choice' where the alternative is indefinite delay in incarceration. This disproportionately affects poorer prisoners unable to secure bail through sustained litigation.

Explanation

The article mentions that an expert committee led by former governor Bimal Jalan recommended a CRB range of 5.5–6.5% in 2019, which formed the basis of the RBI's Economic Capital Framework.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the CRB was lowered from 7.5% to 6.5%, not increased. Statement 3 is correct as calculations show the dividend would have been ₹92,000 crore lower if the CRB remained at 7.5%. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the RBI's balance sheet expanded 20.6% in 2025-26 to ₹91.97 lakh crore. ₹76.25 lakh crore was the size for 2024-25. ₹5.72 lakh crore is 7.5% of the 2024-25 balance sheet, and ₹3.45 lakh crore is a hypothetical dividend figure mentioned for a different scenario.

Explanation

The article states the RBI board decided to keep the CRB at 6.5% 'taking into consideration the current macroeconomic factors, financial performance of the Bank and maintenance of appropriate risk buffers'. The other options are not mentioned in the article as reasons for this decision.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'the Ministry of Education would be the nodal Ministry for the purpose of filing all further compliance reports in the matter.' This aligns with the subject of school infrastructure falling under the education portfolio.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article quotes the judgment saying 'The right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution includes the right to menstrual health.' Statement 2 is incorrect; the napkins must be 'oxo-biodegradable' manufactured as per 'ASTM D-6954 standards', not compostable per an ISO standard. Statement 3 is incorrect; monitoring is 'every three months', not six months.

Explanation

The article states: 'Under Shuchi scheme, the government distributes 12 Shuchi Kits, each with 10 sanitary napkins, per year for a student.' Therefore, 12 kits * 10 napkins = 120 napkins per year. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the Supreme Court's judgment: 'The right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution includes the right to menstrual health.' The Court derived the obligation to provide sanitary facilities from this expansive interpretation of Article 21, linking it to health, dignity, and access to education.

Explanation

The Supreme Court, in Justice K S Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2017), affirmed privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 and specifically recognized the constitutional right of women to make reproductive choices as part of personal liberty under Article 21.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The MTP Act amendment allows termination up to 24 weeks only for certain women (minors, survivors of rape, mentally ill, and differently abled), not for all women. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Surrogacy Act permits only altruistic surrogacy and bans commercial surrogacy.

Explanation

The article states that the MTP Act, amended in 2021, expanded the permissibility of abortions from 20 weeks up to 24 weeks of gestation for certain categories of women, including minors, survivors of rape, mentally ill, and differently abled.

Explanation

The article mentions that while the Act bans commercial surrogacy, the outsourcing of reproductive labour to women of the Global South remains a concern. A 2021 study highlighted the weak bargaining power of surrogates due to lack of effective regulation.

Explanation

The article states that the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) heard the second appeal filed by SBI. The NCDRC is the national apex body under the Consumer Protection Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly mentions this RBI circular. Statement 2 is incorrect; the NCDRC held that sharing Aadhaar details could NOT be equated with sharing payment credentials. Statement 3 is correct as the district commission's directions, upheld by NCDRC, included refund with interest and compensation.

Explanation

The article specifies the fraudulent amount siphoned off was Rs 12,93,922. The NCDRC ordered SBI to refund this entire sum. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

As per the article, Paragraph 6(ii) of the RBI circular grants complete ('zero liability') protection to customers in cases of third-party fraud where the fault lies elsewhere in the system, conditional on reporting the unauthorised transaction within three working days. This was the core of the NCDRC's ruling.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Strait of Hormuz carries nearly one-fifth of global oil trade and is a major strategic vulnerability for India, as a large share of its crude oil and LPG imports transits through these waters.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article describes Russian oil as an 'economic stabiliser' and 'diversification mechanism' for India. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article notes that markets react to the 'fear of shortages' and that physical supply losses may be 'limited at first'. Statement 3 is correct, as the article explains the 'contradiction' where higher global prices can allow Russia to earn substantial revenues despite lower volumes.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: 'India imports nearly 90% of its crude oil'. This is a critical fact for understanding India's energy security vulnerability.

Explanation

The article's 'Future Outlook' section argues that 'India cannot rely indefinitely on opportunistic crude sourcing' and needs 'a broader and more resilient energy framework', including diversifying sources and reducing 'dependence on vulnerable maritime chokepoints' like the Strait of Hormuz. The other options are either contrary to the article's emphasis on strategic autonomy or represent only a partial aspect of the suggested strategy.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'The World Health Organization declared the Bundibugyo ebolavirus...outbreak...to be a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.' WHO is the specialized UN agency responsible for international public health.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's description of BSL-4 facilities. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clearly states that different ebolavirus species have different surface proteins and immunity to one does not confer sufficient cross-protection. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the 'Primate trials' section.

Explanation

The article states, '...a disease with a mortality rate of 25% to 90%.' This high and variable mortality rate is a key characteristic of ebolavirus infections and underscores the urgency of vaccine development.

Explanation

The article directly explains that 'NTDs are almost always diseases of poor, rural, and politically marginalised populations... these people are neglected — and that’s why their diseases are neglected as well.' This leads to market failure, as pharmaceutical companies see minimal financial incentive.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions NHSRCL as 'the government agency behind the implementation of bullet train projects'. Indian Railways is the overall network operator, RVNL executes rail projects, and NCRTC is for regional rail in the NCR.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article details the use of the Shinkansen slab track system. Statement 2 is incorrect; the target for the entire corridor is 2029, not 2027 (2027 is the target for the Surat-Bilimora stretch). Statement 3 is correct as the article states the Surat-Bilimora stretch is scheduled to be completed first, by August 2027.

Explanation

The article states: 'a total of 2.05 lakh track slabs is required for the entire project.' 75,473 is the number already cast, 96,000 is the target for the Kim facility, and 36,112 is the serial number of a specific slab produced.

Explanation

The article establishes the slab track as a 'unique feature of the Japanese high speed system' and implicitly contrasts it with India's conventional system. The core advantage of slab tracks is their superior stability and lower maintenance, which is essential for safe high-speed operations (320 km/h). The article does not claim it is cheaper, uses local materials, or requires no specialized machinery.

Explanation

The Jean Monnet Chair is awarded by the European Commission to professors for excellence in teaching and research on European Union studies. Jean Monnet was a key architect of European integration.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct; the article states the recasting followed objections from Spain and Italy. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article explicitly mentions a significant share of exports is based on co-production and integration of technologies from Russian-origin platforms like BrahMos and Sukhoi.

Explanation

The article clearly states that EU member states are set to invest close to $1 trillion in defence in the coming years under the initiative recast as 'Readiness 2030'.

Explanation

The article's core analysis points out that unless India reduces its dependence on Russia by developing robust indigenous platforms, integration into European supply chains will be difficult, especially as the EU's White Paper identifies Russia as an enduring threat.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the proposed Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for fertilisers should be 'integrated with the PM-Kisan scheme.' PM-KISAN is a central sector scheme providing income support to farmers.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's projection. Statement 2 is incorrect; the 'brahmastra' reform is moving to a DBT system per acre. Bringing urea under NBS is mentioned as a third, less-preferred alternative. Statement 3 is correct, as the article mentions this data mismatch from Bihar's Cost of Cultivation surveys.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The food subsidy bill for FY27 is budgeted at Rs 2.28 lakh crore.' Option A is the budgeted fertiliser subsidy, and option C is the likely upper limit for the fertiliser subsidy bill.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'The root cause is the enormous subsidy on urea, which today covers nearly 90 per cent of its cost.' This large price difference between the subsidised price and market price creates an incentive for diversion and smuggling for profit.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that on his return from a tour, the Prime Minister held a meeting with his council of ministers to review the state of the economy and explore alternative energy sources. This is a constitutional body aiding the Prime Minister.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states coal import dependency is 'more than 23 per cent'. Statement 2 is incorrect; India ranks fourth in wind power capacity, not third. Statement 3 is correct as per the government data cited in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that dependence on imports is 'almost 90 per cent, up from 85 per cent a decade ago' for crude oil. Option C refers to natural gas, and D refers to coal's share in domestic supply, not import dependency.

Explanation

The article argues that the falling rupee is a symptom, not the core problem. The primary concern is that high import dependency is a 'substantive weakness' in the economy, making it vulnerable to geopolitical events (like the US-Iran war) and price volatility, which threatens energy security and growth.

Explanation

Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy states that 'The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.' This is the constitutional basis for the UCC debate.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because it swaps the ages; the bill sets 21 for men and 18 for women. Statement 3 is incorrect; Assam would be the third state after Uttarakhand (first in 2024) and Gujarat.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The Bill has been scheduled for discussion on May 27.' May 25 is the date it was tabled, making the other dates close distractors.

Explanation

As stated by the Chief Minister in the Bill's 'Statement of Object and Reasons', the requirement for registration 'ensures that the rights of partners— and any children born from such unions— are formally recognised and protected.' The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, non-subsidised nutrient products are approved under the Centre's Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985. This order, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, is the key regulatory framework for fertilisers in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states the total bill was $27.2 billion. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clearly states the fertiliser sector's share was 47.2%, not more than 60%. Statement 3 is correct as UP (Jan 13), MP (May 14), and Maharashtra (May 20) issued such orders.

Explanation

The article states: "India’s latest... DAP imports have been contracted at landed... prices of... $935 per tonne respectively, as against their corresponding year-ago rates of... $725 per tonne." Option A is the year-ago price for urea, Option B is the year-ago price for DAP, and Option D is a previous high during the Russia-Ukraine war.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that state governments justified the ban "citing allegations of companies resorting to 'tagging' – forcing farmers to buy non-subsidised fertilisers along with subsidised fertilisers." The other options, while plausible, are not the reasons mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous agency under the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education. It was established to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the CBI has arrested 11 accused, not over 15. Statement 3 is incorrect; the re-exam is scheduled for June 21, 2026, not July 21.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the NEET (UG) 2026 exam was held on May 3, 2026. It was cancelled two days later. June 21 is the date for the re-examination.

Explanation

The Supreme Court said it was "really sad" to see the same mishap happening despite detailed orders and a monitoring committee it had set up earlier. This underscores a governance failure in implementing judicial mandates to prevent recurring paper leaks, which is the core issue.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Taiwan's TSMC, the industry leader, has projected it will be able to produce 1.4nm chips by 2028. This is a direct factual recall from the news content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the 'Tau Scaling Law' or 'Her's Law'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says it might sidestep the need for *Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV)* lithography machines, not all lithography machines. Statement 3 is incorrect; Huawei's target is 1.4nm chips by 2031, not 5nm.

Explanation

The head of Huawei's semiconductor division, He Tingbo, stated that the company will be able to produce next-generation 1.4-nanometer chips by 2031. TSMC's target of 2028 is a close distractor.

Explanation

The article's core theme is that Huawei developed this new way of making semiconductors to get around its U.S.-enforced lack of access to the most advanced chipmaking equipment, specifically EUV lithography machines. This is a direct response to the sanctions imposed since 2019.

Explanation

The article explicitly states Hainan is China's southernmost province. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR), which is a key point of distinction highlighted in the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the policy is 'freer access at the first line' (tariff-free imports to Hainan) and 'regulated access at the second line' (regular tariffs apply to goods entering mainland China from Hainan). Statement 3 is correct as mentioned.

Explanation

The article quotes spokesperson Wang Bin stating the FTP would help save 860 million RMB in tariffs annually. The value of 753 million yuan refers to goods imported in the first few months, not annual savings.

Explanation

The article directly quotes Wang Bin stating Hainan will be a 'new frontier of opening up, hub for regional cooperation and engine for economic globalisation.' While it may compete with Hong Kong, it is not aimed at replacing it. The focus is on broader global engagement, not just the West.

Explanation

Article 44 of the Constitution, under the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV), states that "The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India." The Assam UCC Bill is an attempt to implement this principle at the state level.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Bill makes registration of marriages and divorces compulsory. Statement 2 is incorrect; while the Bill extends to residents of Assam living outside, it does NOT apply to Scheduled Tribes. Statement 3 is correct as the article clearly states the Bill "will not apply to members of any Scheduled Tribes."

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Bill seeks to set standard conditions for marriage, including "a minimum age of marriage, 21 for men and 18 for women." This is a key data point differentiating it from the national Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, which sets 21 and 18 as the minimum age for men and women respectively.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the statement of object and reasons of the Bill, stating it seeks to introduce "uniform rules for inheritance" with the aim of "ensuring that the transfer of assets is handled justly for all residents of the state." The other options, while possible indirect effects, are not the primary objective mentioned in the source material.

Explanation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous body established under the aegis of the Ministry of Education (formerly Ministry of Human Resource Development). It is responsible for conducting entrance examinations for higher educational institutions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the petition was filed jointly by FAIMA and UDF. Statement 3 is incorrect; the court directed an affidavit on compliance with the recommendations of the 2024 monitoring committee, not specifically the K Radhakrishnan Committee (though the petitioners requested its implementation).

Explanation

The article states the bench 'asked the National Testing Agency (NTA) to file an affidavit by Thursday'. Given the hearing was on Monday, May 25, and the next hearing is on Friday, May 29, the Thursday referred to is May 28.

Explanation

The core demand in the plea, as stated in the article, is to 'replace or overhaul the NTA and establish a more secure and autonomous mechanism' for conducting NEET-UG. This is directly aimed at addressing the systemic failures and security lapses leading to paper leaks.

Explanation

As per the article, the Sample Registration System (SRS) is a demographic survey released by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. This office under the Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for demographic data collection including the census.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the revised ECF allows CRB between 4.5% and 7.5%, and it was maintained at 6.5%. Statement 2 is correct: IMEC was announced during the G20 in New Delhi (2023) and includes a railway route. Statement 3 is incorrect: The gibbon using the canopy bridge was recorded in Assam's Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, not in Saranda forest of Jharkhand.

Explanation

The SRS Report 2024 estimates the national Total Fertility Rate (TFR) at 1.9. Bihar recorded the highest TFR at 2.9, while Delhi had the lowest at 1.2. Option C (2.1) is the replacement level fertility, a common distractor.

Explanation

The article states that during PM Modi's visit to the Netherlands, both leaders decided to elevate bilateral ties to a 'Strategic Partnership' by agreeing on a comprehensive five-year roadmap (2026–30). While 17 pacts were signed spanning various areas, the elevation of the relationship itself was a key strategic outcome.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Punjab and Haryana High Court, through Justice H S Grewal, directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Patiala, to provide protection. The Supreme Court's role was as the source of the precedent (Devu G Nair case), not the issuing court for this specific order.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the core of the news is that the court ordered protection WITHOUT first checking risk levels or proving direct threat. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions reliance on the SC's precedent in Devu G Nair vs State of Kerala. Statement 3 is correct, as per the April 22 order which stated protection does not grant immunity from criminal proceedings.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the Supreme Court's precedent, stating that courts must grant immediate protection to petitions by intimate partners who are "same sex, transgender, inter-faith or inter-caste couple." This specific list is the testable factual point.

Explanation

The article clearly states the court's reasoning: it must acknowledge that such couples face social stigma, and a neutral approach could adversely affect their fundamental freedoms. The other options are either incorrect inferences or not supported by the text.

Explanation

The Act falls under the domain of social welfare and protection of vulnerable sections, which is the primary mandate of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This ministry oversees policies for senior citizens, disabled persons, and other marginalized groups.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the fine was imposed on a son, not a daughter, for denying residence to his mother. Statement 2 is incorrect as the verse was quoted from the Taittiriya Upanishad, not the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Statement 3 is correct as the article clearly states the mother approached the tribunal under the 2007 Act.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the High Court imposed costs of ₹50,000, to be deposited in the mother's account. The other figures are plausible distractors for a monetary penalty but are not mentioned in the report.

Explanation

The court used the Upanishadic verse to provide a philosophical and ethical context for the legal duty under the Maintenance Act, 2007. It did not grant superior authority to the text over the statute (A), nor did it mandate teaching Sanskrit (C). The court upheld the Tribunal's orders, not overturned them (D).

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday (May 25, 2026). This is a direct factual recall from the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says Pakistan hosted in April the only direct negotiations. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article describes China's role as 'quieter', not primary or most public. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions Mr. Munir's visit to Tehran on Friday (May 22) and Saturday (May 23) 2026.

Explanation

The article specifies that Mr. Sharif kicked off his four-day official visit to China in Hangzhou on Saturday (May 23, 2026). The other dates are close distractors mentioned for other events (Munir's Tehran visit on May 22, meeting in Beijing on May 25).

Explanation

The article's context is the Iran war and Pakistan's mediation role. Sharif thanked China's support to promote peace, and China said it would work with Pakistan for Middle East stability. While other options might be part of broader relations, the primary objective in this specific news is coordinating on the Iran conflict.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the plea seeks directions to the Central Government to exercise its powers under Section 4 of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (CALPRA) to amend the Schedule. Section 4 deals with the power to add occupations to the Schedule.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article clearly says 'orchestra' and 'dance troupe' sectors remain entirely unlisted in the CALPRA Schedule. Statement 3 is correct as the petition cited the Bharatiya Institute of Research and Development (BIRD) 2023 report with this exact figure.

Explanation

The article provides specific data: '12 minors were rescued from massage parlours and spas in Delhi and Rajasthan' during the mentioned period. The other numbers are close distractors.

Explanation

The core argument of the PIL, as detailed in the article, is that traffickers exploit the 'statutory ambiguity' created because these sectors are not absolutely prohibited (Part A) under CALPRA. Spas are in Part B (regulated), and orchestras are not listed at all, allowing disguised exploitation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Allahabad High Court delivered this judgment, with Justice Dr Ajay Kumar-II presiding. This is a direct factual recall from the news content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court explicitly observed that 'maintenance is not charity but a right'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the court enhanced the maintenance, it did not reduce it. The court noted the wife's qualification but emphasized that capability to earn cannot deny maintenance without evidence of actual income. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the court relied on Articles 15(3) and 39.

Explanation

The article states: 'Justice Dr Ajay Kumar-II increased the maintenance to Rs 47,500 per month from the date of the family court’s order.' ₹34,000 was for an earlier period, ₹75,000 was the amount the wife prayed for, and ₹1,25,000 was the husband's admitted salary.

Explanation

The court noted that 'a criminal case under Sections 498A (cruelty) of the Indian Penal Code and the Dowry Prohibition Act was pending against the husband and his parents, which constituted sufficient reason for the wife to live separately.' This is a direct application of the legal provision mentioned in the article to the facts of the case.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that a January 2026 report by a panel of top experts was constituted by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The CAQM is the statutory body responsible for air quality management in the National Capital Region.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article clarifies that the current account deficit has remained benign, and pressures are emanating from the capital account, not the current account. Statement 2 is correct as per the line: 'net FDI... completely drying up since 2024.' Statement 3 is correct as it describes the theoretical benefit of depreciation for expenditure switching.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The central board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday approved the transfer of a record Rs 2.87 lakh crore to the Centre as surplus — or dividend — for 2025-26.' ₹1.95 lakh crore is the amount it would have been if the CRB was not lowered.

Explanation

The article explains that the new policy memo targets the popular 'adjustment of status' route for Green Card applications within the US. It mandates that applicants must now return to their home countries for consular processing, reversing a decades-old practice and creating significant logistical and legal hurdles.

Explanation

As per static geography, the Strait of Hormuz is the narrow passage that links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. This makes it a critical route for oil exports from the Middle East.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states Iranian negotiators reached Qatar's capital Doha for talks. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions Iran has been discussing a tolling system. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article clearly states a US official confirmed there will be no sanctions relief, including unfreezing assets, if Iran doesn't give up its enriched uranium.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Strait of Hormuz 'deals with the passage of an estimated 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas.' This is a key factual data point for prelims.

Explanation

The article directly quotes a US official confirming that 'if Iran doesn’t give up its enriched uranium stockpile, there will be no sanctions relief, including unfreezing of assets.' This frames it as the primary US condition for a deal.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Finance Minister spoke at "a Small Industries Development Bank of India’s (SIDBI) event in Mumbai." SIDBI is the principal financial institution for promoting, financing, and developing the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The FM said challenges are "more external driven" and highlighted the '3Fs' (fuel, fertiliser, forex for gold) linked to global prices. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states FPIs have "dumped" (sold) Indian bonds and stocks worth $24.4 billion since the war began, indicating net outflows, not purchases. Statement 3 is correct: It is directly mentioned that "RBI’s gross forex sales of $29.6 billion in March was the highest in 13 months."

Explanation

The article provides the exact data point: "the rupee has slumped by nearly 5% since February 27." The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article directly links these appeals to forex conservation: "These actions would help save the country’s foreign exchange reserves as most of these activities and purchases require import." The other options, while possibly secondary effects, are not the stated primary objective.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the study was conducted by researchers at the Bose Institute in Kolkata, led by Prof Abhijit Chatterjee.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's opening. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states dust pollution showed an overall declining trend. Statement 3 is correct as the article identifies the eastern IGP as a persistent aerosol hotspot.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that the lower IGP recorded the highest aerosol optical depth of 0.71. This is a precise data point from the study.

Explanation

The article concludes by stating the researchers argue that NCAP's successor must expand beyond its current focus on 131 non-attainment cities to include rural regions and ecologically sensitive areas, including the Himalayas, Sundarbans, and Northeast India's biosphere reserves.

Explanation

Article IX of the Indus Waters Treaty establishes a three-tier dispute resolution mechanism. The first step is resolution through the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), which comprises a commissioner from each country.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect: India has exclusive rights over the Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi), while Pakistan controls the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). Statement 3 is incorrect: the dispute mechanism first goes to the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), not the Neutral Expert.

Explanation

The treaty allocates the three Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan, which amounts to about 135 million acre-feet (MAF) or approximately 80% of the total water of the Indus system. India receives the remaining 20% from the Eastern Rivers.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'India decided to keep the IWT in abeyance after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack'. While India rejected the Court of Arbitration award, the decision for abeyance is directly linked to the terrorist incident.

Explanation

MACTs are specialized tribunals created under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to provide a speedy remedy for accident victims. The other acts govern different legal areas: IPC for crimes, CPC for civil procedure, and the Workmen's Compensation Act for employment-related injuries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the compensation was enhanced from ₹4.96 lakh to ₹27.1 lakh. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court explicitly rejected treating the minor as a non-earner and instead used minimum wages for a skilled worker. Statement 3 is correct as the court awarded ₹5 lakh for loss of marriage prospects. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the court applied an appropriate multiplier of 18 in view of the minor's age. The other options (15, 16, 17) are standard multipliers for different age groups as per the Sarla Verma guidelines and are potential distractors.

Explanation

The court's key observation was that turning from a healthy person to an invalid, deprived of normal companionship and a productive life, constitutes a 'loss of dignity'. This principle expands the scope of compensable damages. The other options are incorrect as per the article: disability reassessment was suggested after five years, not yearly; no cap was mentioned; and the multiplier method was explicitly applied to the minor.

Explanation

The Quad members, as explicitly mentioned in the article, are India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. The United Kingdom is not a member of this grouping.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states EAM Jaishankar hosted the meeting at Hyderabad House. Statement 2 is incorrect because the concern discussed was the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, not the Strait of Malacca. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the ministers recommitted to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Quad foreign ministers had last met in July 2025 in Washington DC.

Explanation

The article directly links the discussion on maritime security to the war in West Asia, which has impacted maritime and energy security. It specifically mentions the concern over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its effect on freedom of navigation.

Explanation

The article states the document was released by Pope Leo XIV. The Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the sovereign of the Vatican City State (Holy See).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says the Pope 'called for strong global regulation of artificial intelligence'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the Pope declared the theory 'outdated'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the Pope 'linked the AI revolution to the Industrial Revolution addressed by... Pope Leo XIII in... Rerum Novarum'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The 235-page document is already being described by academics...' Therefore, the correct length is 235 pages.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the Pope's warning: 'He said it was "not permissible" to allow AI systems to make irreversible lethal decisions in warfare.' This is the core ethical concern highlighted regarding military applications.

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), headed by the External Affairs Minister, is responsible for managing India's foreign relations and strategic dialogues, including participation in the Quad forum.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states Penny Wong visited India for the Quad FMs' meeting. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions the Quad is delivering concrete outcomes on shared interests. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Quad is an informal strategic dialogue, not a formal military alliance treaty.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that Penny Wong would hold the '17th Australia-India Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue' with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar during the visit.

Explanation

Collaboration on critical minerals within the Quad aims to build secure and resilient supply chains for minerals essential for technology and defense, reducing over-dependence on any single nation (like China) which currently dominates processing.