28 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The Delimitation Commission is a high-level body established by Parliament under the Delimitation Act. Its orders have the force of law and cannot be questioned in any court, as per Article 329(a) of the Constitution. The article discusses delimitation, making this static linkage relevant.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article explicitly states India is treading the path of the USSR and Yugoslavia. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article criticizes the South for failing to translate economic wealth into social transformation, citing patriarchy, casteism, and inequality. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions 'digressive proportionality' as a solution advanced by Professor Santosh Mehrotra.

Explanation

The article states: 'the Great Indian Plain... remains mired in a reality comparable to sub-Saharan Africa.' The Peninsular States are described as having indicators aligning with upper-middle-income countries.

Explanation

The article identifies the core crisis as a profound asymmetry where the South generates wealth but political power, post-delimitation, will shift to the populous North. This creates a scenario where a productive minority subsidizes a politically dominant majority, threatening federal stability.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the '1950 Treaty' in the context of nationalist sentiments in Nepal. This refers to the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed on July 31, 1950, which governs the broad relationship between the two countries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the RSP won a 'two thirds majority or thereabout'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the agitations were due to frustrations over 'good governance', not specifically foreign policy. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article clearly states 'not a single project has been negotiated' under the BRI in Nepal.

Explanation

The article mentions that the RSP is a 'barely four year old party' in 2026 and that it was 'founded in 2022' by its Chairman Rabi Lamichhane. This makes 2022 the correct year of its founding.

Explanation

The article concludes that 'A tech upgrade in India-Nepal relations is the need of the hour,' suggesting a shift towards digital connectivity and making Nepal a hub for IT and AI works. This is presented as a forward-looking approach to repurpose the relationship.

Explanation

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a narrow passage located between Yemen and Djibouti/Eritrea. It connects the Red Sea (and by extension the Suez Canal) to the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean, making it a critical global shipping lane.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the Houthis launched ballistic missiles at Israel on March 28, 2026, marking their first such attack since the war began on February 28. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the Suez Canal handled 12-15% of global trade in 2023, not 50%. Statement 3 is correct: the article explicitly mentions that nearly 80% of India's merchandise trade with Europe passes through this corridor.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the US Energy Information Administration, stating that liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments via the Suez Canal/Red Sea route accounted for about 8% of worldwide LNG trade in the first half of 2023. Oil shipments via the same route accounted for about 12%.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that while the Strait of Hormuz is critical for India's energy imports, the Red Sea route (via Bab el-Mandeb) is vital for its exports, particularly to Europe. It states that nearly 80% of India's merchandise trade with Europe passes through this corridor, and the EU accounts for over 15% of India's total goods exports. Therefore, a disruption here would most directly impact exports.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the Supreme Court in Common Cause (2018) formulated guidelines exercising its powers under Article 142. Article 142 grants the Supreme Court the power to pass any order necessary for doing 'complete justice'.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Aruna Shanbaug case allowed passive euthanasia under judicial supervision, not active euthanasia, and its recommendations were termed temporary. Statement 3 is correct as the article states the Court redefined passive euthanasia as a procedure guarded by a two-level medical board system.

Explanation

The article's first paragraph clearly states: "Thirteen years into an unresponsive vegetative state... life support was discontinued." The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article extensively discusses that the Harish Rana case is part of a tradition of 'gap-filling constitutionalism', where the judiciary steps in to protect fundamental rights in the absence of legislative frameworks, similar to cases like Vishaka and Puttaswamy.

Explanation

As per the static GK concept, the Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is a critical passage for global oil and chemical shipments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly states high energy prices from the conflict are triggering fears of weak economic growth, dampening demand. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says global inventories have surpassed 1 million mt for the first time since 2003, indicating increased availability, not a shortage. Statement 3 is correct, citing accidents at mines in Indonesia (Grasberg), Chile, and DRC, and risks to sulphuric acid transit.

Explanation

The article states that after the attack, the three-month futures contract fell sharply to around $12,147 on the London Metal Exchange. $13,343.5 was the price just before the attack, and $14,527.50 was the all-time high in late January.

Explanation

The article clearly states that copper is essential to the modern economy with uses ranging from housing and manufacturing to power grids, clean energy, AI, and defense. Therefore, its demand (and price) signals the level of industrial and economic activity.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Monthly Economic Review for March 2026 was brought out by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) in the Ministry of Finance. The DEA is responsible for economic policy and analysis.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: E-way bill generation declined 5.3% MoM but was higher by 9.4% YoY. Statement 2 is incorrect; India is a major energy importer, not an exporter, from the region. Statement 3 is correct as per RBI estimates mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The report clearly states that E-way bill generation declined by 5.3% on a month-on-month basis up to March 22. The 9.4% option is the year-on-year growth figure, which is a common distractor.

Explanation

The article directly states that 'higher subsidy requirements [fertiliser and fuel] and potential revenue shortfalls may widen the fiscal deficit'. This is a direct impact of rising global energy prices due to the conflict.

Explanation

As per the article, the Strait of Hormuz is the maritime chokepoint between the Gulf of Persia (Persian Gulf) and the Gulf of Oman. It is a critical passage for global energy supplies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article quotes IEA chief Fatih Birol saying the disruption is worse than both 1970s oil crises and the Ukraine war. Statement 2 is incorrect: India imports 60% of its LPG, with 90% of that import (not 90% of total LPG) coming via Hormuz. Statement 3 is correct: The article states passage through Bab al-Mandeb cuts distance by ~8,900 km.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Centre slashed the SAED on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre each. The new rates are Rs 3/litre for petrol (from Rs 13) and nil for diesel (from Rs 10).

Explanation

The article states Iran's strategy is to 'punish' the US and its Gulf allies by holding a fifth of global energy supplies hostage. This is a direct economic and geopolitical tactic within the ongoing conflict, rather than an aim for permanent price control or deal renegotiation.

Explanation

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the highest decision-making body for capital acquisitions in the Ministry of Defence. As per the article, it is headed by the Defence Minister and grants Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which is the first step in the defence procurement process.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct; the article states total excise duty on petrol now stands at Rs 11.9 per litre after the SAED cut. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article mentions India has crude oil and fuel stocks to cover 60 days of consumption, not 90 days.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that earnings of females in salaried jobs rose by 7.2% in 2025 compared to 2024. The other figures are distractors: 5.8% is male wage growth in salaried jobs, 8.8% is female wage growth in self-employment, and 5.4% is female wage growth in casual labour.

Explanation

The article states that the duty cut was aimed at keeping retail prices in check amid global price shock. It further explains that the alternative would have been for OMCs to hike prices, which would have had an inflationary impact, or continue absorbing high international prices, harming their financial health.

Explanation

The article mentions that according to the 'Shipping Ministry', 20 India-flagged vessels were in the Persian Gulf. The Ministry of Shipping (now part of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways) is the nodal body for merchant shipping and port administration in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article describes the strait as 'the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article clearly states Iran maintains that vessels linked to the US, Israel, and their allies 'do not qualify as engaging in normal and non-hostile passage'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the strait 'accounts for one-fifth of global crude oil and LNG flows'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'a whopping 90% of its LPG imports transited the Strait'. The other percentages are distractors: 40% is for crude oil imports, 50% is for LNG imports, and 60% is India's overall LPG import dependency level.

Explanation

The article highlights that Iran is selectively allowing passage to vessels from 'friendly' nations that coordinate with its authorities. It also states 'India has been engaged with Iran at the diplomatic level for safe passage of Indian ships'. Given India's extreme dependence on the strait for energy imports (90% of LPG, 50% of LNG, 40% of crude oil), continued diplomatic engagement with Tehran is the primary strategic imperative to secure these supplies.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is executing the country's first bullet train project. NHSRCL is a special purpose vehicle set up for this purpose.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; it was an 'Empowered Committee' (not the Standing Committee on Railways) that decided on viaduct-only construction in 2016. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the route passes through these states/UT. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The detailed cost breakup table in the article shows 'Taxes & Cess' amounting to ₹29,330 crore, which is the highest listed component. Land/R&R is ₹16,695 Cr, Indigenous Rolling Stock is ₹16,500 Cr, and Inflation is ₹19,084 Cr.

Explanation

The article states that embankments would have led to higher land acquisition costs, divided villages, lesser safety due to trespassing, and affected drainage. Therefore, the Empowered Committee opted for viaducts to mitigate these specific issues.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the judgment was delivered by a single bench of the Allahabad High Court, presided over by Justice Vivek Kumar Singh.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the court explicitly observed that 'the Right to Freedom or Right to Personal Liberty is not an absolute or unfettered right.' Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the article, which mentions the court's reliance on Section 494 IPC and its ruling against married persons entering live-in relationships without divorce.

Explanation

The article specifies that Justice Vivek Kumar Singh passed the order on March 20. The news was published on March 28, 2026, confirming the year.

Explanation

The core reasoning of the court was that a spouse has a statutory right to companionship, and granting protection to the petitioners in their live-in relationship would infringe upon that right of their legal spouses. The court emphasized that personal liberty cannot override another's statutory right.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is a globally critical route for oil shipments. This is a key static geography fact relevant to international relations and security.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states the US burned through $11-13 billion in the first six days. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions the aim was 'dismantling Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes'. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article clearly states European allies 'outright rejected Trump’s call for a naval coalition'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'More than 3.2 million people are estimated to have been displaced'. This is a key humanitarian data point from the news. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article directly references Carl von Clausewitz to underscore this lesson: 'wars, once begun, acquire a momentum of their own, making them far easier to start than to end.' The other options are contradicted by the article's analysis of the conflict's protracted nature and the failure of decapitation strikes and coalition-building.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, as mentioned in the article regarding energy transport.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article states this was the second such conversation. Statement 2 is correct as both leaders agreed on freedom of navigation. Statement 3 is correct as India reiterated its condemnation of attacks on energy infrastructure.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route 'through which the world's 20% of energy is transported'. This is a critical data point for understanding the strategic importance of the region.

Explanation

The article clearly states that both leaders 'agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keep shipping lines open and secure.' This aligns with India's core interest in protecting its trade and energy supply routes, not forming alliances or direct mediation.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Nepal's traditional political parties, both the Nepali Congress and the communist parties, 'came to life during the Cold War era'. Their ideological formation was also influenced by Cold War politics.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article confirms RSP 'emerged as a political party during June, 2022' and partnered in Prachanda-led coalitions. Statement 2 is incorrect: The protests were against social media prohibitions and corruption, and police firing killed at least 17 people. Statement 3 is correct: It states Balendra Shah 'ensured a landslide victory from Jhapa–5 constituency over K. P. Oli'.

Explanation

The article's photo caption and text explicitly mention the protest happened 'on September 8, 2025', where police opened fire killing at least 17 people.

Explanation

The article contrasts the 'vertical mode of political mobilisation' of traditional parties with the new generation that 'has organised horizontally, communicating through popular rap songs and social media'. It specifically highlights Balendra Shah's rap songs as 'the new avatar of democratic reasoning'.

Explanation

As per the article, the Bill was 'rushed through both Houses of Parliament'. Parliament, comprising the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, is the supreme legislative body in India responsible for passing bills into law.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article states the Bill was rushed 'amid Opposition walkouts' and without 'transparent consultative process'. Statement 2 is correct as the article says it 'shifts the focus toward mandatory biological markers'. Statement 3 is incorrect as stakeholders argue it moves away from the NALSA judgment's framework.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions 'chromosomes, hormones, and genitalia' as the biological markers. 'Blood type' is not mentioned anywhere in the provided content as a criterion under the Bill.

Explanation

The article states, 'it is problematic to conflate the distinct concepts of sex and gender as done in the Bill.' This is presented as a core criticism, arguing it reduces socio-cultural gender identity to mere biological characteristics.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. This geographical fact is crucial static GK for understanding global trade and energy routes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; Iran has closed it to vessels linked to 'enemies' but is allowing ships from 'friendly' countries. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned, with most being Greek- and Chinese-owned. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'Five LPG carriers, all Indian flagged and bound for India, are anchored...'. The number '26' refers to the total ships approved for transit recently, '3' refers to ships turned back on a specific day, and '7' is a distractor.

Explanation

The anchoring of Indian ships due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz directly demonstrates the risks to India's energy security posed by its heavy dependence on imports routed through unstable regions. This reinforces the policy imperative to diversify supply routes and sources.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'Information & Broadcasting Ministry' released the TV Ratings Policy (TRP) 2026. Regulation of broadcasting and media content falls under the purview of this ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the policy mandates at least 50% independent directors, not 75%. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the target of reaching 1,20,000 homes. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states that agencies must scale up their operations to 80,000 metered homes within the stipulated timeframe. The other options are distractors close to the correct figure.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the Ministry stating the aim is 'ensuring transparency, independence, and accountability in audience measurement.' The dual-audit system and independent director norms are specific mechanisms to achieve this core objective, not revenue generation or technology promotion.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issues colour-coded alerts (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red). The IMD is the national agency responsible for meteorological observations and weather forecasting.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; Western Disturbances affect North and Northwestern India during the non-monsoon months (winter), not the peninsular region during monsoon. Statement 3 is correct as the article defines 'Mahawat' as the winter rainfall crucial for Rabi crops.

Explanation

The article states that the Bharat Forecast System (BFS) features a high spatial resolution of 6km x 6km. This is a leap from the existing 12km x 12km resolution model.

Explanation

As explained in the article, the winter rainfall brought by Western Disturbances is locally called 'Mahawat'. This rainfall is specifically highlighted as being important for the cultivation of 'rabi' crops like wheat in northern India.

Explanation

The National Statistical Commission (NSC) is the apex autonomous body for statistical matters in India. The article mentions resignations from the NSC in the context of a controversial labour force survey, highlighting its role in maintaining statistical integrity.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as the analysis argues growth estimates derived from formal-sector data miss informal activity. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the 2017-18 consumption survey was NOT released after it reportedly showed a decline in household spending.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the study suggests growth may have been overstated by "roughly 1.5 percentage points to 2 percentage points." The other options are close distractors not mentioned in the text.

Explanation

The article states: "Wealth has become increasingly concentrated in a relatively small segment... while the public programmes meant to protect citizens from risk and deprivation have weakened." This describes the contradiction where headline GDP rises but insecurity spreads.

Explanation

Moody's Investors Service is one of the 'Big Three' international credit rating agencies (CRAs), alongside Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Fitch Ratings. Its primary function is to assess the creditworthiness of issuers of debt securities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly states energy and defense are among the few sectors that would benefit. Statement 2 is correct as the article identifies Asia-Pacific as the largest destination for crude oil transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article lists Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and The Maldives as vulnerable, not Nepal and Bhutan.

Explanation

The article states that 'around a third of Sri Lanka’s and the Maldives’ tourist arrive from or through West Asia.' This makes their tourism-dependent economies highly vulnerable to a prolonged conflict in the region.

Explanation

The report specifies that Asia's steam crackers (key units in petrochemical production) rely heavily on naphtha, which is derived from oil. Producers in Japan, Korea, India, and China are most exposed due to this heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil for naphtha, making them vulnerable to supply shocks.

Explanation

The Indus Waters Treaty was brokered by the World Bank. It is a key static GK fact related to India-Pakistan relations and transboundary water management.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: capacity is rising from 3,540.15 MW to 5,164.15 MW, a 46% increase. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states Pakaldul is 1,000 MW and Kiru is 624 MW. Statement 3 is correct, mentioning the estimated potential (~18,000 MW) and identified potential (~15,000 MW).

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'the UT’s total installed hydropower capacity is currently 3,540.15 MW'. 2,250 MW is the capacity of central sector projects, 5,164.15 MW is the projected capacity for Dec 2026, and 11,000 MW is the 2035 target.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'With the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty accelerating construction of hydel power projects...' and later reiterates, 'With the Indus Water Treaty now in abeyance, construction of ongoing projects has accelerated.'

Explanation

UNCLOS Article 38 specifies the right of transit passage for all ships and aircraft through straits used for international navigation. This is the core legal provision relevant to the Strait of Hormuz situation discussed in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Strait of Hormuz is a natural strait. Statement 2 is incorrect: UNCLOS Articles 38 and 44 grant the right of transit passage and prohibit coastal states from hampering it; charging a toll is considered hampering. Statement 3 is correct: The article explicitly states the strait accounts for a fifth (20%) of global energy flows.

Explanation

The article directly quotes IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stating that 'nearly 2,000 vessels are stranded close to the narrow strait'. This is a key data point highlighting the scale of the disruption.

Explanation

The article explains that charging a fee is legally interpreted as 'hampering' passage under UNCLOS Article 44, turning a sovereign right (transit passage under Articles 38-39) into a conditional permit. This is the core legal argument against Iran's actions.

Explanation

As per the article, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the world body that has mandated the SRY gene screening. The IOC is responsible for overseeing the Olympic Games and setting policies for international sports competition.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article clearly states the screening is mandatory only for elite sports aiming for the Olympics and does not apply to grassroots or leisure sports. Statement 2 is correct as the article defines SRY as a gene on the Y chromosome that initiates male development. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions that XY-DSD athletes with CAIS would be eligible for the female category.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the IOC policy document mentions a 10-12% male performance advantage in most running and swimming events at the elite level. The other percentages are distractors: 20+% is the advantage for throwing and jumping events.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the IOC stating the decision was taken to 'protect the female category and for fairness and safety' based on scientific evidence of male performance advantage. The other options, such as increasing revenue or simplifying processes, are not mentioned as primary objectives.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that data on the petroleum sector's contribution to the exchequer (₹7.4 lakh crore) comes from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC). PPAC is a crucial body under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas for data analysis and planning.

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article states that out of ₹7.4 lakh crore, ₹4.15 lakh crore flowed to the central government and ₹3.25 lakh crore to the states, meaning the Centre received a larger share, not the states.

Explanation

The article specifically states: "India’s crude basket has soared from $69 in February to $147.24 per barrel on March 24." The other options are distractors: $69 was the February price, while $100.50 and $127.80 are plausible but incorrect figures not mentioned.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "The Indian government has now imposed an export tax on diesel in order to disincentivise exports, and ensure that domestic demand is met." This is a supply-side measure taken during a period of high global prices and supply disruptions to prioritize domestic availability.

Explanation

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the core mechanism of the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015. Countries submit and update their NDCs every five years to outline their climate action plans.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article states the renewable capacity increase is 10% over the '2030 benchmark', not 2025. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions India achieved its green energy target for 2030 'way ahead of schedule'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states India's updated NDC targets include 'reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 47 per cent from the 2005 levels'. This is a key data point for Prelims.

Explanation

The article argues that the 'voluntarism inherent in the Paris agreement' allows countries to design commitments using different metrics (like China's emission peak timelines vs. India's intensity reductions), creating a 'patchwork of pledges' that makes collective assessment difficult.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Supreme Court held that compelling individuals to endure indignity during menstruation denies their fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21. Article 14 (Equality), Article 15 (Prohibition of discrimination), and Article 19 (Freedoms) are not the primary articles mentioned in this context.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the Court said not providing clean toilets and pads forces girls to stay home and violates their right to education under Article 21A. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Court said treating everyone the same without considering different needs is NOT true equality. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions a bench urged the government to consider a uniform policy.

Explanation

The article specifically cites 'Verma, Bhal, and Vrat (2013)' as the study on call-centre employees in Delhi that found gender-sensitive policies correspond with higher job satisfaction and reduced stress. The other years are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states that in February, the Maharashtra State Commission for Women convened a meeting on paid menstrual leave, bringing together activists, medical professionals, and labour representatives. They called for a framework addressing the entire ecosystem of menstrual health, including free pads, toilets, disposal, and awareness. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central bank and monetary authority. One of its key functions is managing the country's foreign exchange reserves and intervening in the forex market to control excessive volatility in the rupee's exchange rate, as evidenced by the $20 billion deployment mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states nearly one-fifth (20%) of India's exports go to the US, creating systemic implications from tariff threats. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article mentions that while high-end capabilities are increasingly sourced from the US-Israel axis, Russia remains a major supplier. Statement 3 is correct as the article highlights millions of Indian workers in the Gulf and tens of billions in remittances tying India's economic stability to the region's security.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that by January 2026, Russian crude flows to India had fallen to roughly 1.1 million barrels per day, accounting for just over 21% of the total import basket, which was the lowest share in years. The 35-40% figure was the share in earlier years (since 2022), making option A a historical distractor.

Explanation

The article details that as the Indian crude basket price surged and the rupee depreciated to Rs 92.63 per dollar, the RBI was forced to deploy nearly $20 billion in reserves to stabilize the currency. This is a direct material consequence of the external shock and policy environment. While LPG prices rose, retail petrol/diesel were administratively contained, and there was no mention of a complete LNG halt.

Explanation

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are climate action plans that each country submits under the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015. The Kyoto Protocol had fixed targets for developed nations, while the UNFCCC is the overarching treaty.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states the target is 47% reduction by 2035 against the 2005 base year. Statement 2 is incorrect: The SHANTI Act permits up to 49% FDI, not 100%. Statement 3 is correct: The target for non-fossil fuel installed capacity by 2035 is 60%.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the current installed capacity for nuclear power is 8.8 GW, against an ambitious target of 100 GW by 2047. The other options are distractors.

Explanation

The article criticizes developed nations for providing 'less than the $100 billion a year that was promised' in climate finance and for 'retreating from their solemn commitments', thereby shifting the burden onto developing countries like India.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Supreme Court evolved the doctrine of 'absolute liability' in the aftermath of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. This landmark case established strict accountability for hazardous industries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; she emphasized CSR is an enforceable obligation, not voluntarism. Statement 3 is incorrect; 'hot law' was described as dynamic and evolving, not static. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

Explanation

The article states that constitutionalising environmental protection began in 1976 through the introduction of Articles 48A and 51A(g). Article 48A is a Directive Principle of State Policy mandating the State to protect the environment. Article 51A(g) is a Fundamental Duty for citizens.

Explanation

The article lists the three factors as: 1) Context sensitivity, 2) Balancing competing interests, and 3) Outright prohibition in ecologically sensitive zones. She did not advocate for the primacy of economic growth; in fact, she argued against profit standing alone and for environmental justice.

Explanation

The article quotes Ankit Hakhu, Director, Crisil Ratings, and Gauri Gupta, Team Leader, Crisil Ratings, providing analysis on airport utilization and future traffic projections. Crisil is a domestic credit rating agency in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) became the first with the operational Navi Mumbai International Airport. Statement 2 is correct: The article states CSMIA is saturated, providing NMIA with 'almost ready demand'. Statement 3 is correct: This exact projection is mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "India’s operational and upcoming alternate airports—Mopa (Goa), NMIA, and NIA—are expected to have an annual capacity of around 40 million passengers by the end of this year."

Explanation

The article contrasts the two: NMIA has a 'strong start' because CSMIA is saturated, forcing airlines to use NMIA. For NIA, Delhi's IGIA 'still has scope for expanding its passenger handling...capacity', meaning NIA 'will have the challenge...of building demand for itself initially as it competes with the formidable IGIA.'

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka 'in line with India's Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR Vision.'

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: the shipment was 38,000 MT, but it comprised 20,000 MT of diesel and 18,000 MT of petrol, not equal quantities. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is correct, as the article mentions the 2022 aid was 'about US$ 4 billion'.

Explanation

The Indian High Commission's statement, as quoted in the article, clearly mentions 'A shipment of 38,000 MT (metric tonnes) of petroleum... has arrived in Colombo today 28th March, 2026.'

Explanation

The article frames the action within India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'SAGAR' vision, highlighting it as a move to maintain continuity of fuel supply and address shared challenges, thereby ensuring regional stability and energy security.

Explanation

The article states that the decisive catalyst for the 1990 Jan Andolan was the Indian trade embargo imposed in March 1989 following the expiry of trade and transit treaties. This blockade choked goods into landlocked Nepal, turning public anger toward the Panchayat regime.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article notes that the final collapse of the Rana regime resulted not from a broadly based popular movement but from elite divisions and Indian policy. Statement 2 is correct as the Maoists drew base from janajati-dominated hilly districts. Statement 3 is correct as the 2015 Constitution retained secularism and PR.

Explanation

The article states: 'By the time the dust settled, close to 76 people were dead and over 2,000 had been injured.' Option A (19) is the number killed by security forces on the first day. Option B (50) is the number who died in agitations against the 2015 Constitution.

Explanation

The article's core analytical thread questions if the RSP can break the historical cycle where each new political order (Rana, Panchayat, post-1990 democracy) left fundamental socio-economic constraints untouched. This is the 'structural question' distinguishing mere political change from transformative reform.