29 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India is a signatory to the Artemis Accords, describing them as 'a set of non-binding, bilateral principles that guides sustainable, peaceful civil space exploration led by NASA, particularly for the Moon and Mars.'

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Artemis II will take astronauts 'around the Moon and back,' not land on it. The landing is planned for a later mission. Statement 2 is correct: The article emphasizes the goal is to 'stay' and establish a 'permanent base.' Statement 3 is incorrect: The article states the ISS will be replaced 'not by one but multiple space stations, set up by private players and countries.'

Explanation

The article clearly mentions the 'planned 2028 Moon landing' in the context of the Artemis program. The other options are distractors: 2026 is the year of the article, 2030 is China's target, and 2040 is India's target.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the new lunar missions aim to 'use it as a launchpad for going further into space.' It contrasts this with the old Apollo mindset ('flags and footprints') and highlights the plan for a nuclear-powered mission to Mars in 2028, indicating the Moon base's role as a stepping stone.

Explanation

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a political and economic union of six Arab states bordering the Persian Gulf: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. It was formed in 1981, partly due to security concerns from Iran and Iraq.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article clearly identifies the damaged aircraft as a US E-3 Sentry AWACS. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article states the attack wounded at least 15 US troops, with five seriously, and that over two dozen were wounded over the week. Statement 3 is correct: It cites a Congressional Research Service report from July 2024 mentioning eight persistent bases and 11 other sites accessible to the US DoD.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, citing a Wall Street Journal report, that the US Air Force has only 16 of these E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft left in its fleet. This is a critical data point highlighting the strategic significance of the loss.

Explanation

The article frames the attack as a 'blow to US air superiority' and highlights that AWACS are crucial for air defence and command. Damaging such a high-value, limited asset undermines the US's ability to provide real-time situational awareness and defence coordination for itself and its allies in the region, challenging the core of its security guarantees.

Explanation

Article 341 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to specify, by public notification, the castes, races, or tribes which shall be deemed to be Scheduled Castes in a state or union territory. This is the constitutional basis for the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, which is central to the news article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Order was later amended to include Sikhism and Buddhism. Statement 2 is correct as per the Court's ruling that loss is 'immediate and complete'. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article explicitly states that for STs, 'there was no such religion-based exclusion prescribed' in the Constitution (ST) Order, 1950.

Explanation

The article states that the Commission of Inquiry headed by former CJI K.G. Balakrishnan was constituted in October 2022 and that 'The Commission’s deadline is set for April this year.' The article is dated March 2026, so 'this year' refers to 2026.

Explanation

The Supreme Court held that 'Conversion to any religion not specified in Clause 3 results in immediate and complete loss of Scheduled Caste status from the moment of conversion' and that this loss carries 'automatic termination of all eligibility for statutory benefits... including those under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.'

Explanation

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are a core component of the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015. Under this agreement, each country submits its voluntary climate action plan, which is updated every five years.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the updated NDC commits to 60% non-fossil installed capacity by 2035. Statement 2 is also correct: it aims for a 47% reduction in emissions intensity from 2005 levels. Statement 3 is incorrect because the new NDC target for the carbon sink is 3.5-4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, while 2.5-3 billion tonnes was the target under the previous NDC.

Explanation

The CREA analysis, as reported in the article, found that India's CO₂ emissions grew by just 0.7% in 2025, which was the slowest rate since 2001 (excluding the Covid year of 2020). The 3.8% figure refers to the fall in power sector emissions, not the overall growth rate.

Explanation

The article points out that despite ambitious NDC targets, India plans to add 100 GW of new coal-fired capacity over seven years and invest $1 trillion in petrochemicals by 2040. This represents a contradiction between long-term climate pledges and near-term fossil fuel expansion plans.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the cadre-controlling authority of both the CAPFs and the IPS. This is a key static GK fact regarding the administrative control of central police and security forces.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: the Bill states 50% of total posts in the rank of Inspector General shall be filled by IPS officers. Statement 2 is correct: the Bill is a response to the Supreme Court's May 2025 judgment declaring CAPF Group A officers as 'Organised Services'. Statement 3 is incorrect: the Court directed reduction within an outer limit of 'two years', not five years.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Bill proposes at least 67% of the posts in the rank of Additional Director General shall be filled by IPS officers on deputation. The other percentages are close distractors: 50% is for Inspector General posts, and 100% is for Special DG and DG posts.

Explanation

As per the article, the government's argument, as stated in the Bill, is that CAPFs perform national security functions in close coordination with State authorities, and IPS officers are necessary for their effective functioning 'in the interest of maintaining Centre–State relations'. The other options are not mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the SPV named National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park Andhra Pradesh Limited (NSHIP-AP Ltd.) was formed under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013. This is a common legal framework for incorporating companies in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states Dugarajapatnam is one of five key sites (others being Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Odisha, Maharashtra). Statement 2 is incorrect: The MoUs were signed with HSL, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), and Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL). MDL is not mentioned. Statement 3 is correct: The article's sub-heading and text confirm the clusters will add to HSL's existing capacity.

Explanation

The article provides a specific data point: 'Dugarajapatnam cluster is targeted to have a 1.20 Million Gross Tonnage capacity per year.' This is a precise figure for factual recall in exams.

Explanation

The article highlights MoUs with defence PSUs (HSL, GRSE, GSL) as anchor investors and details HSL's projects for the Indian Navy (like INS Nistar) and the secretive Ship Building Centre's work on nuclear submarines. This clearly points to strengthening self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed the introduction of electronic cheques. The RBI is India's central bank and the primary regulator of the payment system.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says the initiative aims to merge trusted features of paper cheques with digital efficiency. Statement 2 is incorrect; the report is 'Payments Vision 2028', not 2025. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions a comprehensive review for uniformity and fraud prevention.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the e-cheque proposal builds on the existing CTS-2010 standards, which were introduced in 2010. The other options are incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states the initiative aims to merge the trusted features of traditional paper cheques with the efficiency, speed and security of digital payment systems to modernise the ecosystem. It does not mention replacing UPI, reducing RBI oversight, or promoting cryptocurrency.

Explanation

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategically vital passage that links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea. It is a crucial route for global energy shipments, as highlighted in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article, which mentions the first such confirmed military attack on AWS data centres. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states the Strait of Hormuz handles 70% (not 90%) of East Asian chipmakers' energy imports. Statement 3 is correct, directly quoting the article's detail about QatarGas and helium supply.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that South Korean firms account for nearly 80 per cent of the global high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market. This high concentration makes the global AI supply chain vulnerable to disruptions affecting South Korea.

Explanation

The article argues that while relocating built capacity is difficult due to sunk costs and data localisation rules, the marginal investment decision for new capacity will now have to factor in the added geopolitical risk of kinetic attacks on data centres, alongside traditional metrics like tax incentives and power stability.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) highlighted the issue of unauthorised expenditure in various audit reports. CAG is the supreme audit institution of India mandated under Article 148 of the Constitution.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the Railway Board's note. Statement 2 is incorrect because the audit is conducted by the CAG, not the PAC; the PAC reviews the CAG's reports. Statement 3 is incorrect as the unauthorised expenditure increased from ₹6,483 crore (2022-23) to ₹9,122 crore (2023-24).

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'during the fiscal 2023-24, the Ministry of Railways had incurred an unauthorised expenditure of ₹9,122.24 crore'. ₹6,483 crore was for the previous year, ₹27,193 crore was the net saving, and ₹6,47,031 crore was the total sanctioned grant.

Explanation

The Railway Board's note argues that 'scrutiny of estimate by competent authority gets by-passed and only option left is to sanction it as a fait accompli.' This is the core issue of financial propriety, as the approval process becomes ineffective after the money is already spent.

Explanation

The bill's full name is 'The Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition (Eva Nammava) Bill'. As detailed in the article, it was introduced following an honour killing and aims to prevent such crimes and protect couples.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states that Law Minister H K Patil clarified, 'This enactment will not support the living together concept.' Statement 2 is correct as Patil noted the name references 'the message of universal humanity espoused by Lingayat saint Basavanna.' Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the bill was passed after a debate in the Assembly and a longer discussion in the Council, implying unanimous passage.

Explanation

Congress MLC Ramesh Babu cited the data: 'While 2023-24 saw 4,826 inter-caste marriages officially recorded, the number in 2024-25 was 5,137 and in 2025-26, it was 5,402.' The other options are the figures for the preceding years.

Explanation

The article extensively details personal testimonies from Dalit MLCs. K Shivakumar stated his family for eight generations has not seen the deity in their village temple, and Chalavady Narayanaswamy shared he has cut his own hair since childhood after being questioned by a village barber. This underscores that political office does not automatically erase social discrimination.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the 'Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)' as the institution that prepared the report on state finances for Karnataka. The CAG is the supreme audit institution under Article 148 of the Constitution.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The article clearly states the schemes were 'universal in nature, unlike similar schemes in other states that were targeted.' Statement 2 is correct as per the data provided. Statement 3 is correct as the report warns of the 'Risk of breaching the fiscal targets specified in the Karnataka Fiscal Responsibility Act.'

Explanation

The article states: 'the State availed net market borrowing of Rs 71,525.15 crore'. ₹63,000 crore was the previous year's borrowing, ₹8,525.15 crore was the increase over the previous year, and ₹5,786 crore was the increase in overall capital expenditure.

Explanation

The core warning of the report is about long-term fiscal sustainability. It states that high debt repayment 'could crowd out Capital Expenditure' and that 'Increased borrowings would have the Risk of breaching the fiscal targets.' The report does not allege bankruptcy, unconstitutionality, or failure to reach beneficiaries.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'Standing Committee on Railways' noted the shortfall in its report 'Demands for Grants 2026-27'. Other committees like Finance or Estimates handle different subjects.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the committee's core recommendation. Statement 2 is incorrect; the sanctioned cost is ₹7,347 Crore, not ₹10,000 Crore. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the committee praised Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat Express.

Explanation

The article's data table under 'Rolling Stock Budget' clearly states the '2026-27 Budget Estimate (BE)' as ₹65,496.60 Crore. Other figures correspond to Revised Estimate or Actual Expenditure for previous years.

Explanation

The committee's recommendation explicitly aims to bridge the production shortfall and strengthen indigenisation aligned with next-generation technologies. The other options are either not mentioned (privatisation, employee reduction) or contrary to the emphasis on indigenous development.

Explanation

The article explicitly cites 'Department of Defense officials' as the source for the report about additional troops on the ground. The Pentagon is the headquarters of the US Department of Defense and is responsible for military operations and planning.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Kharg Island is Iran's main oil export hub, and controlling it would impact its revenue. Statement 2 is incorrect: Abu Musa and the Tunbs are claimed by the UAE, making them disputed territory, not uncontested. Statement 3 is correct: Experts state that securing the Strait would require 'taking out its radar facilities, command and control structure and weapons bunkers' along Iran's coast.

Explanation

The article states: 'an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey found that about 59% of Americans say US military action in Iran has been excessive.' The other percentages refer to different poll questions: 45% were concerned about fuel affordability, and 66% said preventing Iranian nukes was an important goal.

Explanation

The article highlights low public approval in polls and opposition within Trump's political base as key constraints. It specifically mentions that a ground invasion 'would go against Trump’s past electoral promises' of ending 'forever wars'. The other options are not emphasized as primary risks in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Telangana Bill addresses gaps in the 'Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007'. This central law provides the foundational framework for parental maintenance that the state Bill seeks to enforce more rigorously.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article clearly states the law is applicable to 'private and public sector employees'. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Commission is to be headed by a retired High Court judge, not a Supreme Court judge.

Explanation

The article specifies: 'The Bill allows salary deductions of up to 15% or Rs 10,000, whichever is lower.' This precise numerical limit is a key factual takeaway from the legislation.

Explanation

The article directly quotes the Bill's reasoning: 'there remains a need for a more focused and enforceable mechanism to ensure accountability of employed children...' The other options, while possible secondary effects, are not the primary rationale presented in the text.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the rail network in Mumbai falls under the administrative jurisdiction of two zonal railways: Central Railway and Western Railway.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as mentioned: the first train ran from Boribunder to Thane on April 16, 1853. Statement 2 is incorrect; the first electric train operated on the Harbour Line, not the Central Line, on February 3, 1925. Statement 3 is correct as per the article: MUTP-IIIA cost is Rs 33,690 crore.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "The national transporter has also planned to introduce 238 rakes of 12-car trains with automatic doors under MUTP-III and IIIA, at an estimated cost of Rs 19,293 crore." The other options are costs for other MUTP phases mentioned.

Explanation

The article's central theme is increasing train handling capacity. It states: "To enhance train handling capacity across the Mumbai region, the national transporter has undertaken multiple infrastructure works at 12 railway stations..." The works include construction of pit lines and platform extensions, which directly contribute to handling more trains.

Explanation

The article states that a 2016 law recognized the PMF as 'independent military formations' within the larger armed forces, which was the basis for their formal incorporation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the PMF split into factions loyal to Iran, Sistani, and Moqtada Al-Sadr; it is not monolithic. Statement 3 is correct as explicitly mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states the promise of a 'complete US withdrawal by September 2026 (including from Iraqi Kurdistan where US presence is now concentrated)'.

Explanation

The article states the airstrike 'prompted the Iraqi National Security Council, chaired by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, to authorise the PMF to respond to the US-Israeli attack.' The other options are not mentioned as consequences.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the WTO who kick-started the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). She is the first woman and first African to hold this position.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article, which states developed nations seek plurilateral deals. Statement 2 is correct as India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Namibia have insisted on consensus-based multilateralism. Statement 3 is incorrect because S&DT is for developing countries, not developed countries.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the WTO has 166 members and operates primarily on a consensus-based decision-making model where all members must agree. This is a key factual point for Prelims.

Explanation

The article quotes India's position that the incorporation of plurilateral outcomes should not impair existing rights of non-parties. This reflects the core concern that smaller, developing nations could be marginalized by deals negotiated among powerful countries.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) dismissed the appeals filed by BSE. NCLAT is the appellate forum for orders passed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the NCLAT confirmed NCLT's jurisdiction under IBC Section 60(5). Statement 2 is incorrect because the accounts were frozen by BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange), not NSE, for non-payment of listing fees, not transaction charges. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the overriding effect of IBC (Section 238) over other laws including the SCRA.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions in its concluding paragraphs that the NCLAT delivered its reasoning in a '75-page-long order'. This is a precise factual detail from the source.

Explanation

The core of the ruling is the application of IBC Section 238, which gives the Code an overriding effect. The NCLAT held that actions necessary for insolvency resolution (like defreezing accounts by the RP) take precedence, even if they conflict with enforcement actions under securities laws (SEBI Act, SCRA, LODR).

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the CMS is a legally binding global treaty, signed in 1979 under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP is the leading global environmental authority.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article notes 'a migratory species can be listed in both the appendices.' Statement 2 is incorrect because Appendix I is for species assessed as Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, OR Endangered on the IUCN Red List, not just Critically Endangered. Statement 3 is correct as the article states 'India hosted the 13th CMS COP for the first time in 2020.'

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The Report warned that 49 per cent of the migratory species population protected by the UN’s Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) are declining.' The other options are plausible distractors.

Explanation

The article specifies: 'Parties that are range states to the Appendix-I listed species are required to provide strict protection, including prohibition of hunting or capturing, habitat restoration and addressing migration challenges.' This is the core legal obligation under CMS for Appendix I species.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the feasibility study for the Noida International Airport was conducted by the global consultancy firm PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the projected demand of 25 crore passengers annually is for the year 2050, not 2040. Statement 3 is incorrect; Uttar Pradesh levies 1% VAT on ATF, while Delhi levies 25%, giving UP the cost advantage, not Delhi.

Explanation

The article states that aviation turbine fuel accounts for 30-40% of an airline's operating costs. This fact underpins the strategic importance of the VAT differential between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that IGIA will saturate around 2030, while NCR's demand is projected to reach 25 crore passengers by 2050. Therefore, Jewar is necessary to absorb this excess demand and support the region's long-term growth, making them complementary in the long run.

Explanation

The Supreme Court has consistently held that the right to a speedy trial is an essential part of the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, as seen in the landmark Hussainara Khatoon case.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the accused, Pradeep Kumar, was granted bail after two years in jail. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article clearly states the prosecution had not examined any of the 23 witnesses. Statement 3 is correct as it is the core observation of the bench.

Explanation

According to the article, the accused was booked in February 2024 and the Supreme Court order was in March 2026. The bench noted that almost two years had passed since his arrest without the trial commencing.

Explanation

By equating undue pre-trial detention with punishment, the Court reinforces the foundational legal principle derived from the presumption of innocence. This principle holds that bail should be granted as a norm, and pre-trial detention should only be used as an exception in specific circumstances.

Explanation

The article states that since September 2022, Mohammad Bagher Zolqadr had been serving as the Secretary of the Expediency Council. The Expediency Council is an advisory body to the Supreme Leader tasked with resolving differences between the Majles (parliament) and the Guardian Council.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions Ali Larijani was assassinated by an Israeli air strike on March 17. Statement 2 is correct as the article describes Mansouroun as an Islamist militant organisation that contributed figures like Mohsen Rezaei to the IRGC. Statement 3 is correct as it states the Ramadan Headquarters later became the Quds Force.

Explanation

The article states that seven days after Ali Larijani's assassination on March 17, President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed Zolqadr as his successor. This places the appointment date on March 24, 2026. March 17 is the assassination date, September 2022 is when Zolqadr became Secretary of the Expediency Council, and October 7, 2023 is the date of the Hamas attack.

Explanation

The article's core analysis is that Zolqadr's ascent, being a Guardsman (IRGC commander) compared to Larijani who was a politician with links, suggests the IRGC is tightening its grip on Iran's state machinery. This is the central theme of the article titled 'Ascent of the Guardsman'.