26 July 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article states that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) announced the decision on April 23, 2025. The CCS is the highest decision-making body on security matters in India, chaired by the Prime Minister.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) are allocated to India. Statement 2 is correct: Pakistan received rights over ~80% (135 MAF) of the waters. Statement 3 is incorrect: India placed the treaty in 'abeyance' (temporary suspension), not termination. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifies that India retained only about 20% of the waters, approximately 33 MAF annually. Pakistan received ~135 MAF. The other options are distractors: 135 MAF is Pakistan's share, while 100 MAF and 50 MAF are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that the CCS announcement linked abeyance to Pakistan credibly abjuring cross-border terrorism. While India also cites structural asymmetry and technological obsolescence, the immediate trigger and stated condition for restoring the treaty is Pakistan ending support for cross-border terrorism.

Explanation

The Ministry of Education (formerly HRD) is the nodal ministry for school and higher education, including major national-level examinations. The task force was announced in the context of education reforms, following the resignation of the Education Minister.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct (Nandan Nilekani leads it). Statement 2 is incorrect (it was announced by PM Modi, not the Education Minister). Statement 3 is correct (PM Modi highlighted technology use for transparency).

Explanation

The article was published on July 26, 2026, and the announcement was made by PM Modi on a Sunday (July 26, 2026).

Explanation

The PM explicitly stated the task force will 'focus on examination reforms' to ensure 'credibility of upcoming examinations'. While fast-track courts and new legislation were mentioned as parallel measures, the core mandate of the task force is systemic reform.

Explanation

UNESCO, through its World Heritage Committee, designates sites of 'outstanding universal value'. ICOMOS is an advisory body, but the final decision rests with the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon (Dharmachakrapravartana). Statement 2 is correct: It is India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article states that ASI has acknowledged that the site first came to light during digging on the orders of Babu Jagat Singh, a local royal, not British archaeologists.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the announcement was made during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea. The other options are numerical distractors.

Explanation

The article mentions that the state government stated this would strengthen Uttar Pradesh's Buddhist Circuit on the international tourism and cultural heritage map. This aligns with India's broader diplomatic goal of leveraging Buddhist heritage to build cultural ties with countries like Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

Explanation

The article mentions the Jal Shakti Ministry as the nodal ministry for the project. The Ministry of Jal Shakti oversees water resources, river linking, and related infrastructure.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states it is the first of 30 proposed river-linking projects under NPP. Statement 2 is incorrect: The project generates 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power, not 103 MW solar. Statement 3 is correct: The foundation stone was laid by PM Modi in December 2024.

Explanation

The Jal Shakti Ministry stated that approximately 17,101 trees had been identified for felling. Of these, 12,404 trees had been felled within the Reserve Forest. The other options are distractors: 7,193 is the number of families displaced, and 4.4 million is the drinking water beneficiary count in MP.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that there is worry that the project may hurt the tiger reintroduction programme in Panna Tiger Reserve, which revived the feline population after local extinction in 2009. Other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that both Deng and Wang are alumni of Peking University, one of China's top universities consistently featured in the world's top 20. This university has received sustained government support under elite education initiatives.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct – the Fields Medal is awarded once every four years to mathematicians under 40. Statement 2 is correct – this is the first time Chinese nationals have won. Statement 3 is incorrect – unlike the Nobel Prize (max 3), the Fields Medal recognises at least two and up to four people every cycle.

Explanation

The article states that China's R&D expenditure has grown from less than 1% of GDP in 2000 to about 2.6% now. This is a key data point often used in comparative analyses of national innovation ecosystems.

Explanation

The article notes that India has a strong mathematical tradition but lacks a critical mass of leading mathematicians domestically, as most top Indian mathematicians work abroad. The win underscores the need for India to reform its education system and improve the research ecosystem, as advised by Manjul Bhargava.

Explanation

The article states that the 2024 Act was enacted after nationwide outrage over paper leaks. The fast-track courts are designated to conduct trials under this Act, among others.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Act prescribes 3-5 years imprisonment. Statement 2 is incorrect: Fast-track courts do not follow a separate legal procedure; they are regular courts designated for priority hearing. Statement 3 is correct: The Bombay High Court designated two courts in Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that as of July 23, Maharashtra had 38 fast-track special courts under the Centre's scheme, including those for POCSO cases. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article states that 'their success will ultimately depend on how quickly investigations are completed, witnesses are examined and courts are able to hear cases without delays.' Thus, investigation speed is critical.

Explanation

The article mentions that the proposal is being discussed at the highest levels, involving the PMO, Cabinet Secretariat, and an empowered group of ministers. Gold monetisation and disclosure schemes fall under the purview of the Ministry of Finance, which oversees economic policy and forex management.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: subscribers were paid Rs 40 per gram lump-sum interest after five years. Statement 2 is correct: minimum deposit was 500 grams. Statement 3 is incorrect: the scheme offered immunity from inquiries about both the nature and source of gold, as well as the money used to purchase it.

Explanation

The article states that the total gold received under the 1993 scheme was 41.12 metric tonnes, valued at Rs 1,534.40 crore. Option B (46.91 tonnes) was the amount pledged by RBI in 1991. Option C (50 tonnes) was the amount RBI proposed to pledge. Option D (700 tonnes) refers to annual gold imports.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the idea is to collect idle gold lying in private hands (bars, coins) and put it to use to reduce imports, and preserve foreign exchange. This is in the context of the West Asia crisis causing crude oil prices to rise above $100/barrel, putting pressure on the current account deficit.

Explanation

Both indices were released by NITI Aayog, as clearly stated in the article. The RBI deals with monetary policy, the Ministry of Finance with fiscal policy, and the Finance Commission with tax devolution, but NITI Aayog is the nodal body for these indices.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the index covers all 28 states and 8 UTs. Statement 2 is incorrect: the index uses 8 pillars, not 5. Statement 3 is correct: Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are top performers. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that 'five states are top performers' (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Odisha). The other options are distractors: 15 are frontrunners, 8 each are emerging performers and aspiring states.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the index 'seeks to foster competitive and cooperative federalism by encouraging States and Union Territories to adopt best practices and undertake continuous reforms.' The other options are either too narrow (FDI only) or incorrect (GDP growth, fiscal deficit).

Explanation

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made this statement in the context of considering sanctions on Chinese companies that steal American intellectual property. Michael Kratsios made a separate statement about 'industrial distillation'.

Explanation

Statement 1 is false: OpenAI and Anthropic advocate closed, controlled AI models. Statement 2 is true: Microsoft, Nvidia, Meta, Google, and others signed the letter. Statement 3 is true: DeepSeek's open-source model shocked the industry last year.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'Z.ai and Moonshot AI have released models that rival those from Anthropic and other American labs.' DeepSeek was mentioned as a previous example from last year.

Explanation

OpenAI and Anthropic accused Chinese labs of 'distilling' their systems by surreptitiously copying them, which they consider IP theft. While safety and export controls are related, the core allegation is IP theft.

Explanation

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is the UN agency that designates World Heritage Sites based on the World Heritage Convention. ICOMOS is an advisory body, but the final decision rests with the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Sarnath is traditionally recognised as the site of Buddha’s first sermon. Statement 2 is correct as Sarnath is also known by these names. Statement 3 is incorrect because the session was held in Busan, South Korea, not New Delhi.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that with the inscription of Sarnath, India’s tally of UNESCO World Heritage Sites has increased to 45. The other options are close distractors but incorrect based on the news.

Explanation

UNESCO World Heritage inscription is a recognition of a site’s outstanding universal value. It does not guarantee increased revenue percentages, hosting rights, or exclusive territorial rights. The primary benefit is enhanced conservation and international visibility, as mentioned in the article and by the Prime Minister.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the platform was developed by RTGS with APSDMA and IIT Gandhinagar. IIT Gandhinagar contributed technical expertise in AI and hydrological modeling.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 48-hour rainfall forecast and 6-hour flash flood warning. Statement 2 is incorrect because the data used is 'nearly three decades' (30 years), not 20 years. Statement 3 is correct: initial deployment in Vijayawada, then expansion to all urban local bodies.

Explanation

The article specifies that the platform provides 'rainfall forecasts up to 48 hours in advance and flash flood warnings up to six hours in advance.' Option D (48 hours) is the rainfall forecast window, not the flash flood warning window.

Explanation

The article states the platform is 'designed to predict urban flooding before it occurs, enabling authorities to take preventive measures well in advance.' It shifts from reactive flood response to predictive governance, focusing on early warnings for evacuation and drain clearance.

Explanation

The article states that the notification was issued by the School Education Department of the West Bengal government. This department oversees school-level education in the state.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the committee will review curriculum for Classes 1 to 12. Statement 2 is incorrect: the aim is to curb dependence on private coaching, not increase it. Statement 3 is correct: the panel will recommend shifting from rote memorisation to conceptual understanding. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the committee must submit a preliminary report within two months of its first meeting. The final report is due three months after incorporating stakeholder feedback.

Explanation

The core objective is to align West Bengal's school education with NEP 2020 and NCF frameworks, while shifting focus from rote memorisation to conceptual understanding. The other options are not mentioned as primary objectives in the article.

Explanation

The article states that the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) issued the advisory on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The MEA handles foreign relations and consular services for Indian nationals abroad.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: the MV AGN Ragnar was struck at Odesa on July 25. Statement 2 is incorrect: the MV Golden Leo attack occurred on July 19, not July 18. Statement 3 is correct: India summoned the Russian Charge d'Affaires after the July 19 deaths. Hence both 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The MEA advisory stated that five Indian lives have been lost in the region since July 18. The deaths include one on July 18 and four on July 19 (MV Golden Leo). Options 4 and 6 are close distractors.

Explanation

The advisory explicitly urges Indian nationals intending to work on commercial vessels in conflict-affected regions to carefully assess security risks, obtain comprehensive information, and ensure compliance with international standards. Options A and D are not mentioned; option C is not the primary purpose.

Explanation

The article quotes MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal's statement. The MEA handles India's foreign policy and statements on occupied territories.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: JAAC was banned. Statement 2 is correct: at least 20 dead. Statement 3 is incorrect: out of 53 seats, 8 are reserved for women, technocrats, and clerics, and of the remaining 45, 12 are reserved for non-residents, so not all seats are directly elected by locals.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Of the remaining 45, 12 are reserved for migrants settled in different parts of Pakistan.' These 12 seats are a key source of local grievance.

Explanation

The article mentions multiple grievances: economic hardship (load shedding, high tariffs, shortage of wheat/medicines), political disenfranchisement (reserved seats, lack of local representation), and restrictions on civil liberties (ban on JAAC, arrests). All these factors contributed to the unrest.

Explanation

The article states that AI is a core subject for every child in government schools affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board. Hence, PSEB is the implementing body.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as AI is a core subject from Class 1 to 12. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article says 'more than 90 per cent of the curriculum will be practical and hands-on', not 80%. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions partnerships with Google, Amazon, Canva, and Intel.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'More than 90 per cent of the curriculum will be practical and hands-on, moving away from rote learning.' The other options are distractors.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that AI is introduced to prepare students for the future job market, with 40% of jobs worldwide affected by AI. Other options are outcomes or means, but the core objective is to equip students with AI skills for industry readiness.