26 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central bank and is responsible for managing the country's foreign exchange reserves, as mentioned in the article discussing RBI's actions and reserves.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states Foreign Currency assets ($556B) are the largest component, not gold ($131B). Statement 2 is correct: SDRs are described as a buffer IMF members can exchange for currency when in trouble. Statement 3 is correct: The article explains that forward sales defend the rupee without the undesirable immediate impact on rupee liquidity.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India's SDR holdings were worth $18.7 billion as of March 13. $4.8 billion is the IMF reserve tranche, $131 billion is gold holdings, and $556 billion is foreign currency assets.

Explanation

The article quotes an economist saying, "To navigate a longer-duration crisis RBI will need to let the INR depreciate in a controlled manner, ensuring that FX reserves are preserved." This is presented as a potential strategy to conserve reserves under sustained pressure.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Central Government, defined as the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the administrative ministry of all five CAPFs (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB). This is a key static fact for Polity and Security sections.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. Financial Bills (under Article 117) can be amended by the Rajya Sabha, unlike Money Bills. Statement 2 is correct as per Article 109. Statement 3 is incorrect; a joint sitting can be called for a deadlock over a Financial Bill, but it is not 'necessary' and depends on the President's recommendation. The article clarifies the distinction between Money Bills (Article 110) and Financial Bills (Article 117).

Explanation

The article clearly states India's new target is to ensure that at least 60% of its total electricity generation capacity comprises non-fossil fuel sources by 2035. The 50% target was for 2030 and has already been achieved, while 52% is the current achievement as of February 2026.

Explanation

The article explains that the government's proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats based on the 2011 Census (to implement the Act) is likely to face legal challenges. Article 81 mandates that representation be based on population, and using outdated 2011 data violates the 'one person, one vote' principle, creating a constitutional hurdle.

Explanation

The article's author is identified as 'Gopi Shankar Madurai is a Special Monitor for Sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC) Rights, National Human Rights Commission of India'. This is a direct extract from the article's byline.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's opening paragraph. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Bill narrows the definition and explicitly excludes persons with different sexual orientations, not includes them. Statement 3 is correct as the article criticizes the Bill for leaving the outdated council title unchanged. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Intersex is a natural biological spectrum (recorded 1%-2% globally).' The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article's 'No intersectionality' section explicitly states the Bill 'is completely silent on civil and marriage rights of diverse GIESC identities' and offers no provisions for marriage, adoption, or inheritance. The other options are unrelated to the Bill's content as discussed.

Explanation

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) is a statutory body established under Section 27 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Its primary role is to deal with children in need of care and protection, which includes victims of crimes like sexual assault.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the SC ordered a fresh probe by an SIT. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court criticized the police as 'insensitive, reckless and wholly irresponsible'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions a three-judge Bench headed by CJI Surya Kant.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the case involves a 'four-year-old minor'. This is a direct factual recall question from the news content.

Explanation

The Supreme Court's order for an SIT probe, coupled with its strong criticism of the police, CWC, and magistrate, indicates a judicial finding of serious lapse and a loss of confidence in the standard investigative process. An SIT is typically ordered in such scenarios to ensure an impartial and effective investigation.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that recent government crackdowns have led to plant closures in regions such as Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. This is a factual recall from the text.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's description of the 'two carbon problems'. Statement 2 is incorrect because India is the third largest emitter, not the largest, and its fertilizer industry runs on natural gas and coal, not renewable energy. Statement 3 is correctly quoted from the article regarding waste generation and solvent contribution.

Explanation

The article states that India produces roughly 20% of the world's generic medicines. This is a direct data point from the text. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that AI computational models screen candidate materials before physical experiments, cutting lab trials by more than half and addressing the 'least visible pollution' from the discovery phase. The other options are not mentioned as AI applications in this context.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is evaluating whether a single dose of the Indian-made vaccine Cervavac produces comparable antibody responses. ICMR is the correct apex body for biomedical research in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's description of the programme launch. Statement 2 is incorrect; the 2026 study showing 79% lower risk was published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), not The Lancet. Statement 3 is correct, as the article mentions ICMR is evaluating Cervavac's single-dose efficacy.

Explanation

The article states that the Swedish study found women vaccinated before the age of 17 had about a 79% lower risk of cervical cancer. The 37% figure is for those vaccinated at 17 years or older.

Explanation

The article's concluding sections emphasize that scientific evidence alone is insufficient. The success of the programme ultimately depends on transparent implementation, clear communication, and earning public trust to overcome historical apprehension.

Explanation

As per standard geography, the Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf (west) with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (east). It is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the French readout of the meeting between Jaishankar and Barrot. Statement 2 is incorrect; Iran has only permitted 'friendly nations' like India, China, and Russia, not all UN members. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The Strait of Hormuz is the key channel through which 20 per cent of the global energy supply... passes." The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article mentions that the closure of the strait impacted supply and led to a global rise in prices, affecting the supply of cooking gas in India. This directly threatens India's energy security, prompting high-level engagement to keep the strait open.

Explanation

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner is a statutory authority appointed under the Census Act, 1948, and functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as the law covers those who fail to exercise 'reasonable diligence'. Statement 3 is incorrect; the reminder was issued on March 17, 2026, not March 26. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that offences like negligence or misuse of data can attract up to three years' imprisonment under the Census Act. The other options are distractors.

Explanation

The reminder specifically lists offences like negligence, misuse of data, obstruction, and asking offensive questions as punishable under the Act, aiming to ensure legal and ethical conduct during the census.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the report was from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, which is chaired by JD(U) MP Sanjay K. Jha.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The committee suggested drawing upon models like the Railway Protection Force (RPF), not the CISF. Statement 2 is correct as per the data from the Transport Research Wing. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the panel's recommendation for post-rectification safety audits for black spots.

Explanation

The article states that National Highways alone accounted for over 52,600 deaths out of the total 1.70 lakh road fatalities in India in 2024.

Explanation

The committee explicitly stated that the present dependence on State Police forces is insufficient for the scale of the National Highway network, as their priorities extend beyond highway safety, thus warranting a dedicated institutional mechanism.

Explanation

The article explicitly quotes 'another official in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry' discussing the local currency mechanism. This ministry handles India's international trade policies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states India is working on a mechanism for GCC countries. Statement 2 is correct: An official cites saving 5-6% on conversion charges as an advantage. Statement 3 is correct: The article concludes that combined with Russian oil payments, such a deal would cover close to 80% of oil imports.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: 'The price of the Indian basket of oil... stands at $123.15 per barrel currently.' $69 was the average in February 2026, ₹94.1 was the rupee/dollar rate, and $91.3 is a distractor from the pre-war exchange rate.

Explanation

The article's sub-headline explicitly states: 'The flip side is risking Donald Trump’s tariff ire.' This points to a potential risk of retaliatory tariffs from the United States, which views challenges to dollar dominance strategically.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the report is by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The ADR is a well-known NGO focused on electoral reforms and transparency, distinct from constitutional bodies like the ECI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the total was ₹6,648.563 crore. Statement 2 is incorrect; the BSP declared it received zero donations above ₹20,000. Statement 3 is correct as corporate donations accounted for 92.18% of the total. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states the BJP received ₹6,074.015 crore from 5,522 donations. ₹2,243.947 crore was the BJP's collection in the previous fiscal (2023-24). ₹517.394 crore was received by the Congress, and ₹6,648.563 crore was the total for all national parties.

Explanation

The overwhelming share of corporate funding, as detailed in the report, directly points to the significant role of business capital in financing politics. This leads to analytical concerns about quid-pro-quo arrangements and the shaping of policies to favor donor interests, a core issue in governance.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Supreme Court invoked Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, which outlines the fundamental duty to protect the environment. Article 21 is the right to life, Article 48A is a Directive Principle, and Article 32 is for constitutional remedies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states education received ~38% of CSR funds. Statement 2 is incorrect; the environment sector received only 7-9%, not 15-20%. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the Court's mandate was catalysed by the neglect of the Great Indian Bustard's habitat by energy firms.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the environment sector averaged between 7%-9% of CSR funding, creating an unbalanced ledger. The other options are distractors: 2-4% is too low, 12-15% and 18-22% are higher than the figures provided for healthcare and rural development respectively.

Explanation

The core judicial intervention, as stated in the article, is reframing environmental spending "not as mere discretionary charity, but as a constitutional mandate" by invoking Article 51A(g). The Court did not mandate a specific spending percentage, nationalize companies, or introduce new taxes.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the petition challenges the rules on constitutional grounds under Article 14 (equality), Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty), and Article 25 (freedom of religion). Articles 15, 19, 26, and 29, while related, are not the primary grounds mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the rule 'only applies to women'. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions the SC constituted a constitution bench for the Goolrokh Gupta case in 2012. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the 2011 Bombay HC judgment held that 'excommunication has no place in Zoroastrian doctrine', meaning it did NOT uphold such a power.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The Parsi community... with fewer than 60,000 members as per the 2011 Census'. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article's concluding section states the court will have to decide 'whether such a rule can stand alongside guarantees of equality, personal liberty and religious freedom,' directly pointing to the clash between religious denomination rights (implied by 'internal religious governance') and fundamental rights. The other options, while related to constitutional law, are not the core dilemma presented in the article.

Explanation

The case was National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) vs. Union of India (2014). NALSA is a statutory body established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The other bodies, while important, were not the petitioners in this specific case.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 2019 Act was passed after the 2014 NALSA judgment to codify its principles. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article regarding the Andhra Pradesh High Court ruling in June 2025.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Rajya Sabha passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The other options are close distractors based on other years mentioned in the article, like 2025 for other events.

Explanation

The article states that in the Indian context, 'the problem is not so much about the legal framework, which is quite strong, but about sketchy implementation and social stigma.' Options A and B are incorrect as the article highlights strong legal progress. Option D is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the judgment was delivered by the Rajasthan High Court, with a bench comprising Justices Farjand Ali and Yogendra Kumar Purohit.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The judgment held the opposite: criminal contempt is NOT attracted by every allegation or strong language. Statement 2 is correct as the court noted fair criticism is permissible. Statement 3 is correct as the judgment relied on Section 6 to protect good faith complaints.

Explanation

The article states that the contempt plea stemmed from a 2019 investigation in Bhilwara. The inquiry during which statements were recorded happened in July 2019.

Explanation

The court's core analysis distinguished between criticism of an individual judge's behaviour (which may be permissible) and acts that scandalise the court as an institution or pose a real threat to the administration of justice (which may be contempt). This protects free speech while safeguarding judicial authority.

Explanation

The article quotes Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol welcoming the Cabinet approval. The Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) falls under the purview of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which is responsible for formulating policies and programs for civil air transport.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: total outlay is ₹28,840 crore for ten years (FY 2026-27 to 2035-36). Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the scheme is 'funded entirely by the Central Government'. Statement 3 is correct; the scheme proposes procuring HAL Dhruv helicopters and Dornier aircraft, linking it to 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The total outlay, inflation-adjusted over eight years, is Rs 3,661 crore' for building 200 modern helipads. ₹2,577 crore is for O&M support, ₹10,043 crore is for VGF, and ₹12,159 crore is for converting 100 airstrips into airports.

Explanation

The article states the helipads are intended 'to address connectivity gaps in hilly, remote, island, and aspirational districts' and are meant 'to improve last-mile connectivity and emergency response in difficult terrain.' The other options are not mentioned as objectives in the provided content.

Explanation

The judgment was delivered by Justice Vivek Jain of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, as clearly mentioned in the article. The case pertained to a succession claim in Madhya Pradesh.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court explicitly stated that Section 2(2) is NOT a blanket defence or license for polygamy. Statement 2 is correct, as the judgment placed the burden of proof on the tribe member. Statement 3 is correct, as the article mentions the High Court relied on this Supreme Court ruling.

Explanation

The article states: "the court said on March 16." The published date of the article is March 26, 2026, confirming the year. April 5, 2023, is the date of an appellate court order, and January 25, 2013, is the date of the deceased's death.

Explanation

The core ruling was that the exemption under Section 2(2) is not automatic. A member of a Scheduled Tribe must prove that their community follows distinct customs, like polygamy, to be excluded from the Act's provisions. The other options are factually incorrect as per the judgment.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act 1996, which states that internet platforms cannot be held liable for content posted by their users. This was the legal barrier the plaintiffs bypassed in this case.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The case was specifically framed around product design, not user content, to avoid Section 230 immunity. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's explanation of the legal strategy. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the jury awarded $6 million with the specified liability shares.

Explanation

The article clearly states that a jury in New Mexico reached a separate conclusion against Meta under the Consumer Protection Law concerning child sexual exploitation, and damages were set at $375 million.

Explanation

The article explains that past lawsuits ran into Section 230. The plaintiffs avoided this by changing the claim to focus on product design, drawing on product liability law where liability arises from how a product is built, not what it contains.

Explanation

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the statutory body responsible for regulating civil aviation safety in India. Issuing Aerodrome Licenses, including for 'Public Use' as mentioned for Noida International Airport, falls under its mandate.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states it is the second international airport after IGI. Statement 2 is incorrect because the concession period is 40 years, not 30, and the model is Public-Private Partnership (PPP), not specifically BOT. Statement 3 is correct as per the article which mentions its net-zero emissions goal.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Phase 1 of the Noida International Airport will have a passenger handling capacity of 12 million passengers per annum (MPPA). The 70 MPPA capacity is the scalability target upon full development.

Explanation

The article states that both IGI and NIA will function as an integrated system aimed at 'easing congestion, expanding passenger capacity and positioning Delhi-NCR among leading global aviation hubs.' This is its core strategic objective.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has moved to institutionalise counselling through its revised Affiliation Bye-Laws. CBSE is the nodal body for this policy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions a prescribed 1:500 ratio. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article lists alternative qualifications like a Bachelor's in Psychology or a Master's in Social Work, plus diplomas for other disciplines. Statement 3 is correct as both roles require 50 hours of CBSE-approved training.

Explanation

The article specifically cites NCRB data recording 13,892 student suicides in 2023. This data point is used to highlight the context of rising emotional distress necessitating the counselling mandate.

Explanation

Experts like Dr. B. Damodaran warn that India faces a shortage of trained mental health professionals, with limited institutions recognised by bodies like the Rehabilitation Council of India. This shortage is cited as a major bottleneck that could hinder effective policy execution.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Lukashenko's visit. It is the official state news agency of North Korea, responsible for disseminating government-approved news and propaganda.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states it was Lukashenko's 'maiden visit'. Statement 2 is correct as per the details on his rule since 1994 and Belarus's role as a 'launchpad'. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article explicitly links the treaty to the China-Russia push for a 'multipolar world'.

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'around 2,000 North Korean soldiers are thought to have died' in the context of supporting Russia's war against Ukraine. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states that Belarus and North Korea are part of a push 'to create what they call a "multipolar world" to challenge Western hegemony.' The other options describe different, unrelated geopolitical concepts not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha, is 'now pending consideration in the Rajya Sabha'. The Lok Sabha is where it was passed, and a standing committee is a potential referral, not its current status.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says the Bill removes self-ID, contradicting the SC's NALSA judgment. Statement 2 is incorrect; it mandates a 'government medical board', not a District Magistrate. Statement 3 is incorrect; it narrows the definition to include 'specific biological criteria and select socio-cultural groups', not only biological criteria.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions the Bill was 'passed by the Lok Sabha through a voice vote'. A division vote involves recording votes, a secret ballot is not standard for bills, and electronic voting is a type of division vote.

Explanation

The article quotes protester Yadnya Ankita stating the requirement for biological tests 'was a breach of privacy and removed the right to self-identification'. The other options are not mentioned as criticisms in the provided content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the seventh Director-General of the WTO, being the first woman and first African to hold the position. The other names are former WTO or IMF heads.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because MC13 ended with NO decision on PSH; it remains a key issue for MC14. Statement 3 is correct as India argues the plurilateral IFD Agreement undermines multilateralism. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the moratorium was first instituted in 1998 and has been renewed every two years since. This is a precise data point often tested in prelims.

Explanation

The article states India argues the moratorium 'squarely favours the developed nations' as digital trade is dominated by big tech from these countries. India also highlights a revenue loss, but the core argument is about equity and policy space, not specifically about hardware costs or GATS.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 2,200 US Marines stationed on Okinawa, Japan, are on their way to the Middle East. This is a direct factual extraction from the provided content.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because while Kharg Island handles up to 90% of Iran's oil exports, it is situated in the Persian Gulf, not the Strait of Hormuz. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's timeline. Statement 3 is incorrect; Iran fortified the island with MANPADs and mines, not with the specific weapons mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that roughly 20 percent of the world's oil and gas supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz. This is a key data point for understanding the global strategic importance of the region.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that the stated goal of considering plans to seize Kharg Island is to force Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The other options are actions or outcomes not mentioned as the primary objective in the provided text.

Explanation

The ITBP is one of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) of India. All CAPFs, including the BSF, CRPF, and CISF, operate under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which mentions ITBP's original conceptualisation. Statement 2 is incorrect; the ITBP guards the LAC with China, while the Army with BSF guards the LoC with Pakistan. Statement 3 is correct as the article states ITBP conducted 4,503 patrols in that period.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the ITBP added 29 new Border Outposts (BoPs) along the India-China frontier between 2022 and 2024. This raised the total number of BoPs from 180 (in 2020) to 209.

Explanation

The article clearly links the infrastructure expansion to the post-Galwan context, stating the new outposts are to 'enhance surveillance and rapid-response capabilities'. Officials also mention ensuring 'better operational logistics and more effective patrolling'. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The analysis was specifically done by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) for Carbon Brief, as stated in the article. Other organizations are prominent in the climate space but were not the authors of this report.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The 0.7% growth was the lowest since 2001, except for the Covid years. Statement 2 is incorrect: Emissions from the power sector fell by about 3.8%, not increased. Statement 3 is correct: The article states the rapid expansion has ensured that over 50% of India's total installed electricity capacity is now based on non-fossil fuel sources.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that steel production in India increased by 8 per cent in 2025. Cement production grew by 10%, making 10% a close distractor. The other figures are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article directly attributes the slowdown in power demand growth to 'A relatively mild summer which lowered the demand for air-conditioners and fairly good monsoon'. While record renewable growth (Option B) contributed to lower emissions from the power sector, it was not the cited reason for the slowdown in demand growth itself.

Explanation

The CPCB, established under the Water Act, is the apex statutory body for pollution control and coordinates national air quality monitoring programs like the National Air Quality Index. The Ministry is the parent department, but the operational coordination is done by CPCB.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states 'only 13 countries... met the WHO annual average last year.' Statement 2 is incorrect; the report identified New Delhi, India as the most polluted capital city. Statement 3 is correct as the article notes 'the countries with the cleanest air were predominantly found in Oceania.'

Explanation

The report lists India at rank #6 with a PM2.5 concentration of 48.9 μg/m³. Option A (45.7) is Kuwait's value, C (53.6) is Chad's value, and D (66.1) is Bangladesh's value.

Explanation

High PM2.5 levels are directly linked to urban pollution sources (vehicles, industries, construction) and have severe public health impacts (respiratory diseases, mortality). The report highlights failures in environmental governance (enforcement of laws like the Air Act) and public health policy, rather than primarily diplomacy, agriculture, or industrial output.

Explanation

As per the article, the Supreme Court appointed the SIT while hearing writ petitions filed in 2016-17 on the basis of the Nanavati Commission report. This commission was set up to investigate the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court observed the incidents were 'like a genocide'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states records were weeded in 1990, not 1991. Statement 3 is incorrect; the court dismissed the petitions to quash the chargesheets, explicitly stating that the passage of time cannot be a ground for quashing.

Explanation

The article states that in Uttar Pradesh, the SIT found a total of 186 cases, out of which 20 were identified in Kanpur City. '11' refers to the number where chargesheets were filed, '186' is the total in UP, and '7' is the number of accused in this specific petition.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the main contention of the counsel for the applicants was that original FIRs, final reports, and postmortem reports were not available, therefore a fair trial was not possible. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Admiral Brad Cooper heads the U.S. Central Command. This command is responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, including the region involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article mentions Iran formalizing a 'de facto toll booth' and that at least two vessels have paid in Yuan. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states the Strait carries 20% of all traded oil and natural gas, not specifically 40% of LNG. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions the USS Tripoli strike group with 2,500 Marines and 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne.

Explanation

The article specifically states: 'Brent crude, the international standard, traded at $104 early Thursday (March 26, 2026), up more than 40% from the day the war started.' The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article's core analysis shows Iran using its geographical control over this critical chokepoint (transiting 20% of global oil/gas) to exert pressure. This 'toll booth' regime and selective blocking of ships is a tool of coercion, directly threatening energy supplies and global economic stability, which is the primary strategic implication.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the Strait of Hormuz is a narrow shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. This is a key geographical fact for static GK.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article clearly states Iran allowed only specific 'friendly nations' to pass, blocking ships linked to its adversaries. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's mention of 'roughly 20%'. Statement 3 is correct as the article states India is making diplomatic efforts focused on ensuring unimpeded energy flow.

Explanation

The article explicitly quotes the Iranian Foreign Minister listing China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan. Saudi Arabia is not mentioned in this list. Iran and Saudi Arabia are regional rivals, making Saudi Arabia a likely adversary in this context.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'New Delhi thinks there could be serious ramifications for fuel and fertiliser security for many countries including India if the blockade... continues.' This identifies the core economic and security impact for India, which is heavily dependent on energy imports from the region.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Additional Sessions Judge Babita Puniya of the Fast Track Special Court (POCSO) at Tis Hazari Courts delivered the sentencing order. These courts are specifically designated for trials under the POCSO Act.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The court sentenced the convict to 20 years under Section 6 of POCSO, which prescribes a minimum of 20 years for aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a child below 12. Statement 2 is incorrect: The court explicitly rejected the plea of old age, stating it cannot override the need for justice. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions the award of Rs 13.5 lakh compensation and mandated trauma-informed psychological counseling.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the court awarded Rs 13.5 lakh as compensation to the victim under applicable victim compensation schemes. The other figures are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the court's reasoning: "On the plea of old age, the court held that while it may evoke sympathy, it cannot override the need for justice in cases involving grave crimes against children." This reflects the principle of proportionate sentencing prioritizing the gravity of the crime.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Pakistan was the conduit for US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger's quiet China diplomacy in the early 1970s, a key event in US-China rapprochement.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the defence pact is with Saudi Arabia, not the UAE. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions New Delhi is watching developments closely while trying to repair strained ties with the US.

Explanation

The article specifically states that The New York Times reported Pakistan delivered a 15-point US peace plan to Iran. The other options are plausible distractors.

Explanation

The article identifies Pakistan's 2025 defence pact with Saudi Arabia as a major complication. If Saudi Arabia joins a US-Israel coalition against Iran, Pakistan would be obligated to aid Saudi Arabia, conflicting with its neutral mediator role. The article notes Pakistan does not have US bases.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the G7 was born in 1975 in response to the first oil crisis. This is a key static fact about the forum's origin.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article dates. Statement 2 is incorrect because the expanded Foreign Ministers' Meeting specifically includes India, Brazil, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine. Statement 3 is correct, directly quoting the article's description of France's aim for the G7.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "True to its role as the initiator of the format in 1975..." This is a direct factual recall question from the provided content.

Explanation

The article states: "To find a comprehensive and lasting response to these challenges, dialogue between the richest countries will not suffice. The French G7 presidency has therefore decided to involve major emerging economies..." This captures the core rationale behind the outreach.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that AIIMS Delhi has the mandate to anchor the digital transformation of Indian medicine and is the designated Centre of Excellence (CoE) for AI in Health under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: MadhuNetrAI is for diabetic retinopathy screening, not breast cancer. Breast cancer screening is mentioned as a separate initiative. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Arogya Aarohan app is a collaboration between AIIMS Delhi and IISc Bangalore for oral cancer risk assessment, not TB diagnosis. TB diagnosis uses AI-powered cough analysis. Statement 3 is correct as per the article.

Explanation

The article identifies 'data bias' as a significant challenge, where AI tools developed using patient profiles different from Indians perform poorly. AIIMS's strategy is to build indigenous datasets and tools to overcome this.

Explanation

The article emphasizes 'frugal technology' and 'prioritising portability and affordability' to ensure innovations reach inaccessible areas. Tools like MadhuNetrAI use low-cost cameras, and Arogya Aarohan uses smartphones, enabling 'doorstep diagnostics' in rural clinics.

Explanation

The article states that the tax holiday requires foreign companies to procure services from a 'specified data centre' – one established under an approved scheme to be notified by MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology). This ministry handles policies related to IT, electronics, and digital infrastructure.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The tax holiday is for foreign companies, and the article notes Indian companies operating data centres do not benefit from it. Statement 2 is correct as per FDI regulations mentioned: Indian residents should own more than 50% of shares for a company to be 'Indian-owned'. Statement 3 is correct as per the article's explanation of DPDPA Section 17.

Explanation

The article states: 'The tax holiday galvanised pledges worth $240 billion for Indian AI and data infrastructure at February’s AI Summit.' The $500 billion figure mentioned elsewhere refers to India's commitment to buy US goods and services under a trade framework.

Explanation

The article explains through the Nayara Energy v. SAP India case that even if a data centre is Indian-owned as per FDI rules, a minority foreign stake can make it vulnerable to international sanctions enforced by the foreign parent company. This undermines the policy's goal of ensuring data sovereignty.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that France is the current chair of the G7 and invited India as a partner country to the Foreign Ministers' meeting.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article clearly states 'India is not a G7 member'. Statement 2 is correct as per the data given in the article. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Brazil as other invited partner countries.

Explanation

The article provides the specific data point: 'the Strait of Hormuz... handles roughly 20 per cent of global oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).' The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article directly states India's concern: 'New Delhi thinks there could be serious ramifications for fuel and fertiliser security for many countries, including India, if the blockade of the shipping lane continues.' This is linked to the Strait of Hormuz being a critical energy chokepoint.