26 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intervenes to prevent the exchange rate from falling by selling dollars from its forex reserves. This is a core function of a central bank under its monetary policy framework.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: A trade surplus means exports > imports, leading to higher foreign currency inflows which are exchanged for rupees, increasing rupee demand. Statement 2 is correct: FPI inflows mean foreign investors buy rupee assets, increasing demand for the rupee. Statement 3 is incorrect: When the RBI sells dollars, it absorbs rupees, increasing demand for the rupee and slowing its depreciation (it props up the value).

Explanation

The article provides the exact data point: "India’s forex reserves ... stood at around USD 691.11 billion at the end of March 2026." The other options are plausible but incorrect figures not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "To purchase a barrel of oil at $100, Indian companies now must pay ₹9,600, compared to ₹8,500 had the exchange rate remained at ₹85 per dollar." This illustrates the increased import cost. A weaker rupee makes exports cheaper (not expensive), and the article does not link depreciation directly to fiscal deficit or remittance changes.

Explanation

Article 280 of the Constitution provides for the constitution of a Finance Commission every five years or earlier. It is a key body in India's fiscal federal structure.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the 16th FC retained a 41% vertical share. Statement 2 is incorrect because it abolished revenue-deficit grants but replaced 'tax effort' with 'States' contribution to national GDP', not introduced 'tax effort'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the FC applied a square-root transformation to State GSDP shares.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "the combined share of the four southern States... declined from 24.8% to 15.8%" under the 15th FC. The other options are distractors: 24.8% was the share during the Sixth FC period, 17% is the approximate share under the 16th FC, and 10.5% is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article directly states: "Continued reliance on unconditional equalisation transfers may weaken incentives for revenue mobilisation and fiscal discipline in weaker States." This is a classic argument in the equity-efficiency debate of fiscal federalism.

Explanation

The article clearly states that India and the US signed the bilateral 'critical minerals framework' on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per EAM Jaishankar's quote. Statement 2 is incorrect; the framework was signed during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit, not the President's. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article that the agreement builds on FORGE launched in February 2026.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "the US government is mobilising unprecedented resources... supporting projects with more than $30 billion in letters of interest, investments, loans, and other support."

Explanation

The article states the framework aims to protect supply chains from 'coercive market practices and reduce our collective vulnerability to single-source monopolies', alluding to China's dominance. This is its core strategic objective.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India is established under Article 324 of the Constitution, which grants it the superintendence, direction, and control of elections. Article 326 deals with adult suffrage.

Explanation

Statement I is correct as per the article. Statement II is incorrect; the ECI argued its power flows from Article 326 (universal adult suffrage), not Article 324. Statement III is correct as mentioned by petitioners.

Explanation

The article states the bench reserved its decision on January 29, 2026. May 26 is the date of the article's publication.

Explanation

The article states that while citizenship is a prerequisite for voting, the core question is whether the ECI can determine citizenship at all. This is the central legal dispute.

Explanation

The article clearly states that a division bench of the Allahabad High Court, comprising Justices J J Munir and Tarun Saxena, quashed the criminal case against Advocate Smarpan Jain.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court quashed the FIR precisely because it held that an advocate cannot be held in conspiracy for a professional act like filing an appeal. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; the case pertained to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), not the Income Tax Act.

Explanation

The article mentions that the controversy arose regarding 'the pre-deposit of 10 per cent of the disputed tax, a requirement for filing such appeals.' The other percentages are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The court explicitly stated that criminalizing a lawyer's professional act 'hits at the roots of the principles enshrined under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.' While other articles are related, the judgment's core constitutional anchor was Articles 14 and 21.

Explanation

The article mentions the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on June 3-5, 2026. The MPC is the statutory and institutionalized framework under the RBI Act for maintaining price stability, primarily through setting the policy repo rate.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The '3F' concerns are Fuel, Fertiliser, and Foreign Exchange, not Food. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is also correct as the article states the MPC cut the repo rate by 125 bps in 2025. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "The RBI's latest forecast, made in early April, pegs India's GDP growth in 2026-27 at 6.9%." The other options are close distractors mentioned as economists' warnings or are not cited.

Explanation

The article states that the war in West Asia has impacted maritime and energy security, and this was a key challenge discussed. The Quad is concerned about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz affecting freedom of navigation and supply chains, particularly for critical minerals.

Explanation

The article states the payment violates RBI rules. The RBI is the central banking and monetary authority responsible for regulating banks in India, making it the correct nodal body.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Banking Regulation Act and RBI norms prohibit offering negotiated interest rates to specific customers. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the probe found key management personnel were aware.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the bank had total deposits of ₹31 lakh crore as of March 31, 2026. The other figures are distractors; ₹45 crore is the disputed amount, not the deposit base.

Explanation

The core ethical issue is the alleged routing of an interest payment (which violates RBI rules) through vendors as sponsorship/marketing payments, thereby disguising its true nature. This directly challenges the bank's stated commitment to integrity and transparency.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the vigilance report flagged a violation of the RBI's Master Directions on interest rates on deposits, which prohibit banks from offering negotiated returns to individual depositors. RBI is the primary regulator for banking operations in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which details payments of ₹45 crore routed via marketing. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the arrangement was 'verbally' agreed upon, letters were 'not vetted by legal or compliance teams', and were 'incomplete and poorly drafted'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions MSRDC sought 6.01% while the bank offered 3.5% on savings accounts.

Explanation

The article states the Audit Committee ordered an investigation into payments totalling Rs 45 crore made to MSRDC during FY2024 and FY2025. While the internal audit report mentions contributions aggregating to Rs 39.7 crore between 2023-24 and 2024-25, the total figure cited for the vigilance probe is ₹45 crore.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that routing differential interest to a specific customer at a rate unavailable to others violates the RBI's Master Directions on interest rates on deposits. This is the core regulatory breach, unlike forex, insider trading, or CSR norms which are not mentioned in the context.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Supreme Court impleaded the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) as a party in the suo motu case alongside the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. This ministry is the nodal agency for environmental protection in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the court's observation that 'a substantial number of the actions... appear to have been initiated only after stringent directions were issued requiring personal presence of senior officers.' Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions Rajasthan approved over ₹65 crore for IT systems and is installing 118 CCTVs. Statement 3 is incorrect because the sanctuary mentioned is the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, not Tiger Sanctuary. Hence, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Explanation

The article provides specific data: '730 FIRs have been lodged in Dholpur since 2023 for illegal mining, with 725 arrests and 817 vehicles seized.' The other numbers are distractors: 725 is the number of arrests, 817 is vehicles seized, and 52 is FIRs in Karauli.

Explanation

The core criticism, termed 'apathetic administrative tendency', is that Rajasthan responded 'only upon direct judicial scrutiny and compulsion' and not through 'timely institutional initiative and responsible governance.' While funding (₹65 crore) was approved and timelines (18-36 months) were long, the fundamental issue was the reactive, compelled nature of the action.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the Union Environment Ministry's expert appraisal committee (EAC) on non-coal mining recommended the project for grant of environmental clearance. FAC deals with forest clearance, CEC is for Supreme Court monitored cases, and NBWL deals with wildlife clearance.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the project requires diversion of 709.72 hectares of forest land and Sijimali is located in Eastern Ghats. Statement 2 is incorrect because the clearance is conditional on abiding by orders from the Supreme Court and NGT. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions a site-specific Wildlife Conservation Plan approved on August 16, 2024, with a total outlay of Rs 34.44 crore.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the project proposes to mine high-grade bauxite reserves of 311 million tonnes. The other options are plausible but incorrect figures.

Explanation

The article states that tribal communities have opposed the project on grounds of loss of customary rights, forest produce and access to sacred lands atop the hill where the mining lease is situated. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The Border Security Force (BSF) is one of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), as mentioned in the article's context of the Union Home Minister's announcement.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: anti-drone systems will be deployed within six months. Statement 2 is incorrect; the jurisdiction was expanded from 15 km to 50 km, not from 50 km to 100 km. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the BSF must inform civil administration about illegal construction within the 50 km zone.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Centre's decision expanded the BSF's jurisdiction from 15 kilometres to 50 kilometres from the international border. The other options are close distractors with different numerical ranges.

Explanation

The article directly links the jurisdiction expansion to strengthening the BSF's preparedness against illegal smuggling, infiltration, and cross-border activities. While coordination with civil administration is mentioned, the core objective is enhancing security oversight in a broader belt.

Explanation

Trade agreements like CEPA are negotiated by the Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The article mentions Joint Secretary Brij Mohan Mishra from this department as the chief negotiator.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the current trade is $17 billion, not $50 billion. Statement 3 is also incorrect; the target is to triple trade to $50 billion by 2030, not to $17 billion. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

Explanation

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal explicitly stated the target is to triple trade from the current $17 billion level to $50 billion by 2030. The other options are distractors based on the current figure ($17bn) or exaggerated projections.

Explanation

The article highlights key export sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronic goods, and mentions unlocking a massive new market. The core objective is economic diversification and export growth in these sectors, not military trade or student reduction.

Explanation

The Sample Registration System (SRS) is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India (ORGI), which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is the primary source for vital statistics like birth and death rates in the country.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: TFR has dropped to 1.9, which is below the replacement level of 2.1. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states IMR has fallen to 24, indicating a decrease. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article explicitly states 'performance in rural areas is not on a par with the urban centres'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'India’s Total Fertility Rate has dropped to 1.9'. The replacement level of 2.1 is a key distractor. The other options represent potential historical values or close approximations.

Explanation

A sustained TFR below replacement level means each generation is smaller than the previous one, leading to an increase in the proportion of elderly people in the population over time. While the population may still grow for a few decades due to population momentum, the age structure shifts. The demographic dividend window is still present due to the current large youth population.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that State governments must constitute Nagar Panchayats for all Census towns, as the 74th Constitutional Amendment envisioned. The 74th CAA deals with Urban Local Bodies, while the 73rd CAA deals with Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states Census towns jumped from 1,362 to 3,784, a 178% increase. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says the Jal Jeevan Mission has brought tap water to nearly eight out of every 10 rural households, not all. Statement 3 is correct as per the article's data.

Explanation

The article states: "By 2047, the country will need 230 million new housing units and 500 new cities." The figure 500 million is a distractor (it's the number of new cities needed).

Explanation

The article uses Gurugram as an example where "rural governance was abolished and peri-urban areas were placed under the municipal corporation which struggles with administrative inefficiencies." This leads to residents facing urban prices without urban services, a key governance challenge.

Explanation

The Sample Registration System (SRS) is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. This office, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is responsible for demographic surveys and the decadal census.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as TFR has remained at 1.9 (below replacement level of 2.1) for five years. Statement 2 is incorrect because rural IMR (27) is higher than urban IMR (17). Statement 3 is incorrect as Chhattisgarh recorded the highest IMR (36), not the lowest (Kerala at 8).

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has remained flat at 1.9 for the fifth consecutive year. The replacement level is 2.1, making 1.9 a critical data point.

Explanation

The article links the below-replacement TFR (1.9) with the fact that nearly 10% of India's population is aged 60 and above, indicating rapid ageing in advanced states. This is a key demographic implication, distinguishing it from states like Bihar with a higher TFR.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the framework was signed on the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi. The Quad comprises India, the US, Japan, and Australia.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the framework aims for cooperation across the entire supply chain including mining, processing, recycling, and investment. Statement 3 is correct as U.S. Secretary Rubio mentioned the groundwork was laid at a Critical Minerals Forum in Washington D.C. on February 4.

Explanation

The article clearly states the signing took place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. February 4 is the date of the preparatory forum in Washington D.C. December 2025 is when the Pax Silica initiative was launched.

Explanation

The article quotes U.S. Secretary Rubio stating the strategic interest is in "ensuring reliable long-term access to critical minerals and supply chains that are important for our innovation economy." The other options are not mentioned as objectives of this specific framework.

Explanation

The article states that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar presided over the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting. The External Affairs Ministry handles India's foreign relations and diplomacy, making it the nodal ministry for such engagements.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the meeting was held at Hyderabad House. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article specifies the focus was on the Indo-Pacific, with issues like supply chains and maritime security, not climate financing for South Asia. Statement 3 is correct as these were explicitly mentioned as discussion points.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the meeting was held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The other dates are close distractors. Paying attention to specific dates mentioned in international summits is crucial for Prelims.

Explanation

The article directly states that the Quad meeting came amid rising global concerns over China's increasing military muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific. This is the central geopolitical context for the Quad's discussions on security and partnerships, while other options are not mentioned in this context.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, CPEC is described as 'a flagship project of China's Belt and Road initiative'. The BRI is China's global infrastructure and investment strategy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the joint statement. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article specifies the plans encompass the Khunjerab Pass and an upgrade of the Karakoram Highway, not the Khyber Pass. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan reaffirmed the One-China principle.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'These plans encompass the Khunjerab Pass and an upgrade of the Karakoram Highway, the main overland link between China and Pakistan.'

Explanation

The article states: 'Pakistan also promised targeted steps to boost security and cooperation to ensure the safety of Chinese workers and investments in Pakistan, a key concern for Beijing after repeated militant attacks.'

Explanation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is responsible for India's foreign relations and diplomatic engagements. Hosting foreign ministers' meetings, like the Quad meeting, is a core function of the MEA, which handles bilateral and multilateral diplomacy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Quad's origins lie in the 2004 tsunami relief coordination. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article explicitly mentions the Quad is NOT structured like a typical multilateral organisation and lacks a secretariat. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions 'Quad Plus' potentially including South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Quad was revived in 2017 in the face of the rising Chinese challenge. The year 2020 is when Australia joined the Malabar exercises, marking the first official grouping since the revival.

Explanation

The article states that avoiding a formal military alliance has helped the grouping 'navigate political transitions within member states, including the return of Donald Trump to the White House.' This flexibility is cited as a key reason for its informal structure, allowing it to adapt to changing domestic politics in member nations.

Explanation

As explicitly stated in the article, the Quad comprises India, the United States, Australia, and Japan. This is a core static fact about the grouping.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states it is the expansion of the 'Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative' that provides near-real-time data, not the Surveillance Corporation initiative. Statement 2 is correct as per the announcement. Statement 3 is correct as the framework includes coordination on mining, processing, and recycling.

Explanation

The article quotes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that "60% of global maritime trade passes through the Indo-Pacific." This underscores the region's strategic economic importance.

Explanation

The article discusses the initiative in the context of addressing 'economic volatility and trade vulnerabilities' and strengthening supply chains. The broader context of the Quad meeting suggests a goal of reducing strategic dependencies, which aligns with building resilience against economic coercion.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I) from the Ministry of Home Affairs will serve as the Member Secretary of this committee. The MHA handles matters related to internal security, borders, and foreigners.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: PM Modi announced the committee on August 15, 2025. Statement 2 is incorrect; the chairperson is Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar, a retired Supreme Court Justice, not a retired Chief Justice of India. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists the Census Commissioner as a member.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the 'high-level committee on demographic change' on August 15, 2025. The other dates are distractors: August 15, 2024 is a year earlier; January 26, 2025 is Republic Day; May 26, 2026 is the date of the article publication/announcement of committee constitution.

Explanation

The Home Minister's message on X stated that infiltration and other reasons causing 'unnatural demographic change' pose a significant challenge to the present and future of any nation. This broad challenge is linked to sovereignty and security, not specifically to economy, diplomacy, or technology.

Explanation

The Quad members are India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. South Korea, while a key US ally in the region, is not a member of this specific grouping. This tests basic static knowledge of international groupings.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the SC directed Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan (not Gujarat). Statement 3 is incorrect as the committee is headed by a retired Supreme Court Justice, Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar, not a High Court judge.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. April 15, 2026, is the date the SC dismissed the Mekedatu review petition via circulation.

Explanation

The article directly links the Quad's new measures to the 'backdrop of China's growing military posturing' and concerns over 'China's export controls on rare earth elements'. The core objective is strategic counterbalancing, not cultural, monetary, or purely trade-related goals.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Detailed Project Report for the Mekedatu project is being considered by experts in the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). The CWMA was established under the Cauvery Water Management Scheme, 2018, following the Supreme Court's directions, to implement the tribunal's award.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the SC dismissed the review plea, terming the challenge premature while the DPR is with the CWMA. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states CWC made it clear that any acceptance of the DPR would be given only after approvals from CWMA and CWRC, indicating it is not the sole authority. Statement 3 is correct as the article provides these exact figures for capacity and cost.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Mekedatu project includes generation of a 400 MW project. The other options are close distractors. Remembering specific numerical data like project capacity, cost, and power generation is crucial for Prelims.

Explanation

The core of the Supreme Court's reasoning, as stated in the article, is that Tamil Nadu's challenge is 'premature' because the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is only being considered by the experts in the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC). The court emphasized the need to let the institutional process run its course.

Explanation

The article states that SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey announced the pilot project. SEBI is the regulator for the securities market in India, which includes corporate bonds.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly mentions the use of DLT for tokenisation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the rollout is expected to take 6-9 months, not 3 months, and it will start as a limited-scale pilot. Statement 3 is correct as improving liquidity and enabling instantaneous settlements are cited as key objectives.

Explanation

The article quotes SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey stating, "It will take 6 to 9 months to see various stages." This is the specific timeline mentioned for the pilot project's implementation.

Explanation

The SEBI Chairman stated that tokenisation "could help improve liquidity in the corporate bond market and enable more instantaneous and automated settlements." This is the core benefit discussed, focusing on market efficiency rather than tax revenue, exchange structure, or foreign access.

Explanation

Article 142 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court the unique power to pass any decree or order necessary for doing 'complete justice' in any cause or matter pending before it. The article explicitly mentions this phrase, which was cited in the court's order.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The immunity is to be considered under Section 218(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), not Section 498A of IPC. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect; the court ordered the surveillance machinery to be operationalised in six months, not one year.

Explanation

The article states that the court listed the case for the next hearing on May 29, 2026, to discuss the issues raised and sought a report from the states by then. The other options are distractors: May 26 is the date of the order, and six months is the deadline for operationalising surveillance.

Explanation

The core objective, as stated by the court, is to ensure that 'frontline forest officials should not fear prosecution under law while fighting the lawless.' This aims to empower them to take bona fide actions against illegal mining without the threat of legal repercussions, thereby strengthening enforcement.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, the woman challenged an order from the Foreigners Tribunal. These tribunals are established under the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964, specifically to determine if a person is a foreigner under the Foreigners Act, 1946, in Assam.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The court upheld the Foreigners Tribunal's order declaring her a foreigner, not a citizen. Statement 2 is incorrect: The burden of proof is under Section 9 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, not the Citizenship Act, 1955. Statement 3 is correct as the article explicitly mentions the 'inordinate and unexplained gap of about 20 years from 1965 to 1985' as a crucial factor.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The 1971 cut-off date in Assam refers to March 25, 1971, which is the official deadline for determining Indian citizenship in the state according to the historic 1985 Assam Accord.' The other dates are significant in Indian history but not the Assam Accord cut-off.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The court ruled that the petitioner failed to discharge the burden of proof mandated under Section 9 of the Foreigners Act, 1946.' This is the core legal principle applied. While other constitutional rights might be involved, the court's specific reasoning centered on this statutory burden of proof.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central bank and the primary institution responsible for managing the country's exchange rate and foreign exchange reserves, as highlighted in the article discussing its intervention in the forex market.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as India imports nearly 90% of its crude oil; higher prices widen the trade deficit and pressure the rupee. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states gold imports do NOT create a direct export-generating asset; dollars leave without creating future productive capacity. Statement 3 is correct as capital outflows reduce dollar supply, increasing demand for dollars and weakening the rupee.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India's foreign exchange reserves stood at USD 696.99 billion as of May 8, 2026. USD 728.49 billion was the record high in February, USD 552.39 billion refers to foreign currency assets (a component), and USD 979.4 billion is the total import value for FY 2025-26.

Explanation

The article directly references the 'Mundell-Fleming trilemma' or 'impossible trinity' to explain that the RBI cannot simultaneously maintain a fixed exchange rate, allow free capital movement, and run an independent monetary policy. This is the core framework used to analyze the central bank's strategic choices.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the government constituted the committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The MHA is responsible for internal security, border management, and domestic policy, making it the nodal ministry for issues related to illegal immigration and demographic changes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The committee is chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar, not a serving judge. Statement 2 is correct as per the article which mentions the PM's announcement on August 15, 2025. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists recommending a 'permanent operational system' for identification, detention, and deportation as a key mandate.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the committee 'is expected to submit its report within one year.' The other options are plausible distractors for different government committees but are not mentioned in this context.

Explanation

The article repeatedly cites 'illegal immigration' and 'irregular population mobility' as key external abnormal factors leading to unnatural demographic changes, distinct from normal fertility or mortality trends. While fertility variations are mentioned as a possible cause to study, illegal immigration is highlighted as the primary challenge by the Home Minister.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey discussing measures to deepen debt markets. SEBI is the regulator for securities markets in India, which includes the corporate bond market.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions SEBI is exploring a pilot for tokenization. Statement 2 is incorrect; SEBI is considering a distinct regulatory classification for debt brokers, not merging them with equity brokers. Statement 3 is correct as SEBI Chairman mentioned a review of LODR regulations for debt-only listed entities.

Explanation

The article quotes SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey labeling the corporate bond market as the economy's 'second engine' for credit, emphasizing its role in financing growth beyond the traditional bank-led model.

Explanation

The article states SEBI is exploring measures to 'make it more accessible for the retail audience.' Specific reforms like tokenization (creating smaller digital tokens) and developing bond ETFs are aimed at allowing retail investors with smaller ticket sizes to participate.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that applications are examined by a district-level committee comprising officials from the postal department, civil administration, and the central government. This is a specific procedural detail from the news.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the CAA covers Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians. Statement 2 is incorrect; the cut-off date is December 31, 2014, not 2012. Statement 3 is correct as the article states 'Over 300 migrated from Pakistan, while the remainder came from Afghanistan.'

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'He is among 355 people from Pakistan and Afghanistan who have been granted Indian citizenship in Haryana over the past two years.' The other numbers are close distractors based on other figures in the article (e.g., over 300 from Pakistan).

Explanation

The article's concluding section quotes an official saying citizenship is 'not just a legal status but a lifeline, freeing them from the uncertainty of visa renewals.' Other options like employment or financial aid are not mentioned as primary significances.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the court referred to the 'Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Special Provisions) Act, 2010' as the latest in a series of measures aimed at regularising backdoor appointments. This is a state-specific act relevant to the case.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the court stayed fresh recruitment and dismissed the petitioners' pleas. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court said the state rendered Articles 14 and 16 redundant, not Articles 15 and 19. Statement 3 is correct as the bench emphasized that petitioners cannot claim negative equality. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the petitioners were 'working on contact basis for the last nine years as junior engineers'. They were engaged in 2017, and the article is from 2026, which corroborates the nine-year duration.

Explanation

The court's core argument, as stated in the article, is that the 'modus operandi' of backdoor appointments 'deny citizens their right to equality and equal opportunity in matters of employment', thereby rendering Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution 'redundant and a dead letter'. This is the primary constitutional violation identified.

Explanation

Crisil (Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited) is a leading credit rating agency in India. The article refers to it as a 'rating agency' and 'Crisil Ratings', which assesses corporate credit quality.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect: the stress test assumed disruptions for nine months (not six) and crude at $110/barrel (not $95). Statement 3 is incorrect: it is 8 sectors (not 22) whose credit quality would be materially impacted; 22 sectors face a profitability impact of more than 10%.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "Operating profitability of Indian companies could decline by nearly 200 basis points from the pre-conflict estimate of 12%..." This makes 12% the critical baseline figure.

Explanation

The article explicitly states resilience is due to 'strong balance sheets, steady domestic demand and government-led capital expenditure'. It details that median gearing has halved, providing headroom to navigate pressures.

Explanation

As per the article's context, the NEET scandal raises questions about the NTA model. The NTA is the autonomous body established specifically to conduct entrance examinations like NEET and JEE for higher education institutions in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article clearly states these incidents are not isolated but reveal a larger structural problem. Statement 2 is correct as the article identifies the core reason as the tension between centralisation and competence. Statement 3 is correct as one of the proposed pledges is to conduct such exams across the entire year with multiple chances.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The answer is troubling: accountability is episodic, not systemic, in many sectors of administration.' This means the system only reacts to scandals (episodic) instead of having built-in, continuous accountability mechanisms (systemic).

Explanation

The article argues that piecemeal solutions like 'fix the exam' are insufficient. The necessity is for a deeper reform of the educational administration based on the principles of predictability, transparency, and preparedness for implementation at state and district levels.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article's context of minilateral cooperation, the Quad comprises India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. It is a key platform for strategic dialogue in the Indo-Pacific.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states Washington has 'steadily de-hyphenated India from Pakistan'. Statement 2 is correct as it highlights the 'social intimacy' missing with Russia. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states Trump is 'more sceptical about the value of partnerships' and believes in unilateral management.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'While Russia may be India’s “best friend forever” and China its most consequential neighbour...'. This is a direct factual extraction from the text.

Explanation

The article argues that the intensity stems from the 'Indian elite’s social links, mobility plans, cultural aspirations, intellectual networks, and technological connections with the US', and a 'huge business dimension'. This societal depth is absent in relations with Russia or China.