30 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

The judgment explicitly states that trafficking is an affront to constitutional dignity. The Supreme Court has consistently interpreted Article 21 expansively to include the right to live with dignity, freedom from exploitation, and the right to rehabilitation, which forms the constitutional basis for such protective guidelines.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the petition was filed by Prajwala in 2004. Statement 2 is incorrect; the protocol is for survivors of 'commercial sexual exploitation (CSE)', not organ trade. Statement 3 is correct as the Bench of Justices Pardiwala and Mahadevan said the judgment was 'close to our hearts'. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the judgment in the case was 'pending for over 22 years in the apex court'. The petition was filed in 2004 and the judgment was issued in 2026, which confirms this duration.

Explanation

The core news is that the Supreme Court gave detailed guidelines for a 'uniform victim protection protocol'. This action is aimed at standardizing procedures and filling the inadequacies in laws and institutional support systems highlighted in the 2004 petition. The other options are not mentioned as outcomes of this specific judgment.

Explanation

The Delimitation Commission is a statutory body established under the Delimitation Commission Act. Its primary function is to readjust the allocation of seats and redraw the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies based on the latest census figures, as mentioned in the context of the post-2026 exercise.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states the size penalty has vanished 'on average', but clarifies it persists in constituencies with high urban shares. Statement 2 is correct as the gap increased from 4.4 to 11.6 percentage points. Statement 3 is correct as the article lists NULM networks among the 'right urban tools' for mobilization.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The 2024 general elections saw a turnout of 65.8 per cent — the second-highest of any Indian general election.' The other options are plausible distractors but are not the precise figure mentioned.

Explanation

The article's core argument is that large urban constituencies suffer from low turnout. It empirically shows that splitting a 2-million-elector urban PC into two 1-million-elector PCs could raise turnout by roughly 9 percentage points per half. Therefore, the primary objective of the suggested delimitation is to boost participation, not to alter seat numbers for partisan gain or reduce costs.

Explanation

As per the Cabinet decision of 2019, the CDS is the head of the newly created Department of Military Affairs (DMA) in the Ministry of Defence, in addition to being the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is also correct as mentioned. Statement 3 is incorrect because the theaterisation model aims to create integrated or unified commands combining assets from all three services, not separate service-specific commands.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Gen. Anil Chauhan wrapped up a 'three-year-and-eight-month stint' at the top military post. He took charge in September 2022 and retired in May 2026.

Explanation

The article clearly states that during his tenure, Gen. Chauhan 'focused on bringing synergy among the three services' and 'focused on ensuring tri-services synergy to enhance India's military prowess'. This aligns with the core mandate of the CDS post.

Explanation

As per the article, the NFHS-6 was conducted by the Union Health Ministry with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, as the nodal agency. This is a standard static fact about the survey's administration.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the SC's direction mentioned in the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because NFHS-6 data shows a higher prevalence among women (30.7%) than men (27.3%). Statement 3 is incorrect as the article explicitly states the Quad lacks a collective defence mechanism like NATO.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the IJR 2025 reports 76% of prisoners are undertrials. The other figures are distractors: 33% refers to High Court vacancies, and 21% refers to district court vacancies.

Explanation

The article's analysis highlights that the Quad's progress is constrained because its four members (Australia, India, Japan, USA) have different strategic priorities and varying levels of economic dependence on China, which affects the depth of their security cooperation.

Explanation

The article states that the investigation was handed over to the CBI. The CBI is the premier investigating agency in India for such major national-level crimes and corruption cases.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The 2024 scandal stemmed from vulnerabilities after the paper left the NTA system. Statement 2 is correct: The CONOPs were introduced based on the Radhakrishnan Committee's recommendations. Statement 3 is correct: Officials believe the 2026 leak compromised the first, most secure phase of CONOPs.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, 'The CBI has arrested 13 people so far, including paper translators, subject experts and intermediaries...'. This is a direct factual recall from the news content.

Explanation

The article attributes the failure to a 'leadership vacuum' and the absence of the framework's champion (PS Kharola) during the critical paper-setting phase. It states the protocols 'require institutional ownership, consistent enforcement and leadership', which was missing.

Explanation

According to the article, the Government Resolution (GR) was issued by the state revenue and forest department. This department handles land records and leases, making it the nodal body for this review.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions 16 gymkhanas on collector land. Statement 2 is incorrect; officials clarified the state's exercise is a 'standalone issue' unrelated to the Centre's Delhi move. Statement 3 is correct as per the ORF report cited, which states these clubs occupy 664 acres out of 3,780 acres of open space (approx. 1/5th).

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the ORF report noted Mumbaikars have access to just 1.28 square metres of open space per capita. This data point highlights the severity of the open space crisis in the city.

Explanation

The GR, as quoted in the article, states that the proposed amendments would seek to make club memberships more transparent and re-evaluate the existing revenue model. This aligns with the broader goal of ensuring inclusive functioning and public benefit.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the NFHS-6 survey was 'released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare'. This ministry oversees major health surveys and programs in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: 51.1% in Telangana vs 46.4% nationally. Statement 2 is incorrect: 30.8% in Telangana is higher than the national average of 22.3%. Statement 3 is correct: 92.3% of women have a bank account they use. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'the survey found that 30.8% of ever-married women aged 18 to 49 years in Telangana have experienced spousal violence'. 22.3% is the national average, 37.2% was the figure from NFHS-5, and 45.5% is the previous NFHS-5 figure for women's schooling.

Explanation

The core paradox highlighted is that despite significant gains in education (51.1% schooling) and financial inclusion (92.3% bank accounts), spousal violence remains high at 30.8%. This implies that these economic and educational improvements are necessary but not sufficient, requiring complementary social and legal interventions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the event is the 'IISS Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore'. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a British research institute known for this premier defence summit.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article ('The U.S. expects its Asian allies... to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP'). Statement 2 is also correct as he said, 'The era of the United States subsidising the defence of wealthy nations is over.' Statement 3 is incorrect; the article mentions a Chinese delegate attributed the better tone to 'Mr. Trump’s visit to China', not trade, and the U.S. Secretary cited 'more frequent military-to-military engagement'.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'the Pentagon chief said' the U.S. 'pledged a $1.5 trillion investment in its military'. The other figures are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article quotes the Defence Secretary: 'a stronger, more self-reliant network of allies is essential to deter aggression and preserve the balance of power.' He also warned a 'Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance.' While other options might be related outcomes, this is the stated primary objective.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the seaport was "developed and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) for the Kerala government". This is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is also correct, as the article mentions the 1.2 km berth expansion and ₹16,000 crore investment. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article says it commenced trial operations in July 2024 and was dedicated to the nation in May 2025.

Explanation

The article clearly states: "Phase 2 expansion of the port is currently underway with an investment of approximately ₹16,000 crore." This is a precise data point for factual recall.

Explanation

The article emphasizes the port's geographic advantage by stating it is "located just 10 nautical miles from the international east-west shipping route." This proximity is key to its role as a transshipment hub, saving transit time and fuel costs for global shipping lines.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the parade was at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. Khadakwasla is located near Pune, Maharashtra. This is a key static fact about premier defence training institutions in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which says 'Operation Sindoor, India's military exercise against terror infrastructure in Pakistan in May 2025'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states it defined a shift from 'reactive to proactive deterrence', not the other way around. Statement 3 is correct as the Army Chief said the 'integrated response' was built on the 'jointness' instilled at NDA.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions '24 cadets from 12 friendly foreign countries passing out with the course'. The other options are close distractors with slight variations in numbers.

Explanation

The core message from the Army Chief, as quoted, is that 'Operation Sindoor demonstrated that and set the benchmark when national will was expressed with precision and resolve, defining how Bharat responds to provocation.' The other options, like mountain warfare or cyber focus, are not mentioned as the primary significance in the given article.

Explanation

Matters related to police, public order, and criminal procedure (including identification of prisoners) are handled by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Ministry of Law and Justice deals with legal affairs and legislation drafting but not its administration.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Act repealed the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920, not the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. Statement 2 is correct as per the article: it allows collection of voice samples and handwriting. Statement 3 is correct: Prof. Singh presented a paper on this at IAFS-2026 in Sofia.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that India's system functioned under the colonial-era Identification of Prisoners Act of 1920, which has now been replaced by the 2022 Act. The other options are other foundational criminal laws but were not the ones replaced by this specific legislation.

Explanation

The article quotes Prof. Singh stating that the changes have brought India's investigative practices closer to internationally accepted scientific standards. This is the core objective of modernizing the forensic evidence framework. The other options are not mentioned as primary objectives in the provided content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Meta told the 'Irish Data Protection Commission, its lead EU privacy regulator under GDPR.' This is because Meta's European headquarters are in Ireland, making the Irish DPC its lead supervisory authority.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. While Meta's spokesperson said MCI was installed only on U.S. devices, the article's core conflict is about its potential to capture non-U.S. (EU) data indirectly, and internal documents suggest it tracks URLs and clipboard content, which could include screen content. Statements 2 and 3 are directly supported by the article's description of GDPR requirements and the legal expert's analysis on purpose limitation.

Explanation

The article directly quotes 'Kleanthi Sardeli, a legal expert at privacy advocacy group NOYB ("none of your business")'. The other organizations, while real, are not mentioned in the provided text.

Explanation

The article's central legal analysis, as explained by the NOYB expert, revolves around whether repurposing employee work data (collected for employment purposes) to train AI models is compatible with the initial purpose, violating the GDPR's 'purpose limitation' principle. The other options, while relevant to data privacy debates, are not the focus of this specific case as described.

Explanation

As per the article, the inter-state National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary spans Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, which are the states indicted by the Supreme Court for illegal sand mining.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states mining was prohibited in 2006, but does not specify it was by a Supreme Court order. Statement 2 is correct as per the Court's concern on May 14. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states the Chambal hosts the largest breeding population of the critically endangered gharial, not the Gangetic dolphin.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that the Ministry of Mines, in its 2018 Sand Mining Framework, put India's sand demand at around 700 million tonnes for FY 2016-17, growing at 6-7% annually.

Explanation

The article states the Court stressed that environmental governance could not remain dependent on repeated judicial intervention and authorities must ensure 'sustained and proactive enforcement'. This is the core reason for rejecting the helplessness argument.

Explanation

The article repeatedly cites IAEA estimates and quotes IAEA chief Rafael Grossi regarding Iran's uranium stockpile. The IAEA is the global nuclear watchdog.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as the article states uranium is classified as highly enriched at 20% purity. Statement 3 is incorrect; nuclear weapons require enrichment levels of 90% or more, not 60%.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that IAEA estimates showed Iran had 440.9 kg enriched to up to 60%. The other options correspond to different enrichment levels (20%, 2%, and 5%).

Explanation

The article states there is no civilian use for uranium enriched beyond 20% and that the 60% enriched stockpile is enough to produce about 10 weapons if further enriched to 90%. This is the core security concern.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Strait of Hormuz is the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman. This is a key geographical fact relevant to international relations and energy security topics.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article says the supply through the strait has been 'reduced to a trickle'. Statement 2 is incorrect because India's import dependency level is stated to be 'more than 88%', not less than 75%. Statement 3 is directly quoted from a Nomura report mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The country imports 1.8-2 billion barrels of oil a year...'. This is a critical data point for understanding the scale of India's energy imports and its vulnerability to price shocks.

Explanation

The article's central argument is that the severe oil shock was blunted because China, the world's largest importer, sharply reduced its purchases. This freed up supplies from other regions for other Asian economies like India, Japan, and South Korea.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the NFHS-6 survey was 'Released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare'. This ministry is the nodal agency for conducting the National Family Health Survey.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Stunting has declined from 35.5% (NFHS-5) to 29.3% (NFHS-6). Statement 2 is correct: The article states 'Only half of newborns are breastfed within one hour of birth'. Statement 3 is incorrect: Coverage for the second measles dose is 71.8%, not above 80%.

Explanation

The article states 'Health insurance or financing scheme coverage has increased significantly from 41 per cent to 60.2 per cent of households'. 41% was the previous round's figure, and 71.8% is the coverage for the second measles dose, making 60.2% the correct current figure.

Explanation

The WHO and national guidelines recommend introducing complementary foods at six months alongside continued breastfeeding. The reported gap indicates a failure in counselling and support for proper IYCF practices, which is crucial for preventing undernutrition, not a PDS failure or a reflection of other indicators.

Explanation

ISPRL is a special purpose vehicle, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Oil Industry Development Board, specifically tasked for building and managing strategic crude storage. OIDB is the parent body, MoPNG is the ministry, and OMCs are commercial operators.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: India has SPRs for crude oil, not for LPG. Statement 2 is correct as per the IEA charter. Statement 3 is incorrect: India is an associate member of IEA (since 2017) and its current total national storage capacity of 74 days is lower than the 90-day recommendation.

Explanation

The article states that LPG consumption declined to about 72,000 tonnes a day due to the disruption and seasonal dip. The pre-war consumption was about 90,000 tonnes a day. The other figures are close distractors related to import percentages.

Explanation

The move is a direct response to the West Asia war disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 90% of India's LPG imports. It aims to create an emergency buffer to ensure supply continuity, especially for households. While domestic production increase and IEA compliance are related aspects, the primary driver is mitigating supply shock risk.

Explanation

The DRI is the premier intelligence and enforcement agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), which is part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance. It combats smuggling of goods, including narcotics.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Codeine is a naturally occurring opioid derived from morphine (from the opium poppy), and its primary medical use is as a cough suppressant, not primarily a pain reliever. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is incorrect: seizures have skyrocketed from 30,000 bottles (2016) to over 1.17 lakh (2024).

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the DRI seized 7,500 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup in the mentioned raid. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states that despite codeine being designated as an intoxicant under state law, 'weak regulation of pharmacies and the relative ease of selling syrups as medicines have allowed codeine to flow freely through the black market.' This is the core enforcement challenge highlighted.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Nitin Desai is the 'chairman of the Governing Council of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) New Delhi'. SPIESR was the organiser of the lecture, not his affiliation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as Desai stressed on 'empowering new entrepreneurs rather than the established conglomerates'. Statement 2 is incorrect; he stated the opposite - that China's growth came 'entirely from newcomers' as old companies were gone. Statement 3 is the core argument of the lecture, as per the title and his quotes. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that the lecture was the 'first Prof Y K Alagh Memorial lecture organised by the Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research (SPIESR)'.

Explanation

Desai states, 'The reason we need to develop a policy change is... to recognise that in certain areas, we have not been successful enough in ensuring growth,' and earlier links this to a world of 'politicised' trade and bilateral agreements. He critiques over-reliance on PLI, advocates for market-friendly (not more) control, and says austerity alone is insufficient.

Explanation

Education is listed in the Concurrent List (List III) of the Seventh Schedule. This allows both the central government (to frame NEP 2020) and state governments (like Maharashtra forming a task force) to legislate and act on it, requiring coordination.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the nine-member task force is chaired by former SPPU VC Prof. Dr. Nitin Karmalkar. Statement 2 is incorrect because the task force is for reviewing NEP 2020, not NEP 1986. Statement 3 is incorrect as the article mentions a progress report is expected within three months, not six.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'The committee is expected to submit a progress report within three months.' This is a direct factual data point from the news.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that the purpose is 'to suggest solutions to difficulties in its implementation, and make necessary recommendations to the government in order to accelerate NEP 2020 implementation.' The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The BrahMos missile is jointly developed by India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. This is a key fact in India's defence cooperation and indigenisation efforts, often asked in static GK sections.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Philippines signed a $375 million contract in 2022, making it the first foreign buyer. Statement 2 is correct: The Defence Secretary confirmed the Vietnam deal is signed. Statement 3 is incorrect: The article explicitly states the value of the Indonesia deal has NOT been officially disclosed.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that the Philippines signed a contract worth nearly $375 million in 2022. The other options are close distractors to test precise recall of this key financial figure in defence exports.

Explanation

The article links the exports to building 'trusted defence partnerships' and notes that several ASEAN buyers have overlapping maritime claims with China. The Defence Secretary's speech emphasized partnerships for regional stability, not just commercial or exclusive bloc objectives.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that NFHS-6 was conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare along with the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, as the nodal agency. The other institutes, while involved in health and population data, are not the designated nodal agency for NFHS.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article identifies Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu as hotspots, not Karnataka. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the national C-section rate increased from 21.5% to 27.2%. Hence, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article specifically records that Telangana had exceptionally high C-section deliveries at 62.2%. Andhra Pradesh was at 52.2%, Tamil Nadu at 46.9%, and 54.1% was the rate for private hospitals nationally.

Explanation

The article states that NFHS-6, covering 715 districts, 'provides vital evidence on population, health, nutrition... and supports evidence-based planning and programme implementation up to the district-level.' The rising trends in obesity and diabetes are highlighted as major public health challenges requiring such localized planning. The other options are either not supported or are contrary to the article's implications.

Explanation

The Monthly Economic Review is a publication of the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance. The DEA is the nodal agency for macroeconomic analysis and policy advice to the government.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article explicitly states India's position reflects 'cautious resilience'. Statement 2 is correct as the report says the duration of the Strait of Hormuz disruption is the single most consequential variable. Statement 3 is correct as the report links the moderation in the Eight Core Industries Index to global headwinds finding their way into domestic activity.

Explanation

The article clearly states that forecasts point to a 'below-normal monsoon', which is identified as a risk that could add food price pressures on top of energy-driven inflation. The other options are not mentioned as primary risks in the report.

Explanation

The article's concluding message is that navigating FY27 'will require agility across monetary, fiscal and structural dimensions to safeguard growth momentum and keep inflation durably anchored'. This multi-dimensional agility is the central prescription, not a single-tool approach like stimulus or rigidity.

Explanation

The judgment was delivered by a Division Bench of the Madras High Court, comprising Justices G.R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan. The Madras High Court has jurisdiction over the state of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the judgment authored by Justice Swaminathan explicitly drew this analogy. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court clearly stated this is 'not an absolute right' and can be restricted due to security implications. Statement 3 is correct as the case involved T. Devanathan Yadav, accused in a ₹600 crore default case of Mylapore Hindu Permanent Fund Nidhi Limited.

Explanation

The Division Bench permitted T. Devanathan Yadav to undergo medical treatment at a private hospital for a period of 10 weeks. The court specified he must remain confined to the hospital premises during this period, under police escort.

Explanation

The court anchored its judgment in Article 21, stating that the fundamental right to life applies to undertrial prisoners and 'would not stop at the prison gates.' It interpreted the right to life to include the right to proper medical treatment and the psychological comfort of choosing one's doctor, subject to reasonable restrictions.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the interim report on the Kerala High-Speed Railway (KHSR) project was submitted by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to the Union Ministry of Railways and the Kerala government.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article mentions the line will be 'fully elevated except for a 6.5-km tunnel in Thiruvananthapuram city.' Statement 2 is correct as per the report's vision. Statement 3 is incorrect; the ₹24,000 crore is proposed to be raised through crowdfunding, not multilateral loans.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The total project cost is estimated at ₹60,000 crore.' The other figures are plausible distractors for large infrastructure projects but are not mentioned in this report.

Explanation

The article highlights that the project is 'envisaged as the world’s first green rail corridor' because 'the entire energy requirement of the system will be met through a captive solar power system.' This is its core environmental feature. The other options, while environmentally friendly, are not mentioned in the report.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the report is the 'Monthly Economic Review' by the Ministry of Finance. While NITI Aayog and RBI publish economic reports, the specific document mentioned is from the Finance Ministry.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; while the numbers are accurate (1.2% in March, 1.7% in April), describing this as a 'consistent increase' is misleading as both figures represent a significant slowdown, not healthy growth. Statement 3 correctly interprets the WPI-CPI wedge mentioned in the report.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'growth of India’s eight core industries ... fell to 1.2% in March and 1.7% in April.' The other options are plausible distractors close to the actual figures.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'a significant rainfall deficit ... could translate into food inflation, weakening rural demand and aggregate growth.' The other options, while possible secondary effects, are not the primary concern highlighted in the Ministry's report.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the Shangri-La Dialogue is convened annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). This is a key static GK fact about the forum.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per Hegseth's remarks. Statement 2 is also correct as Hegseth credited Trump. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states India has consistently rejected claims of third-party mediation, maintaining the ceasefire was reached directly between the two countries.

Explanation

The article clearly states Hegseth said the United States expected its Asian allies and partners to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

Hegseth's statement about India building capacity to 'repair and maintain our shared platforms and support US Navy vessels' points towards concrete operational cooperation and burden-sharing, moving beyond mere diplomatic partnership.

Explanation

The Shangri-La Dialogue is an annual inter-governmental security forum held in Singapore and organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). This is a key static fact related to major international security dialogues.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article mentions co-production of 'Javelin anti-tank guided munitions', not Stinger missiles. Statement 3 is correct as Hegseth explicitly said, 'the era of the United States subsidising the defence of wealthy nations is over... We seek alliances built on shared responsibility, not dependency.'

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The Defence Secretary announced that the US had committed to pursuing "co-production" of Javelin anti-tank guided munitions with India.' The other options are not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The core objective, as stated, is to achieve 'a genuinely stable equilibrium' and ensure 'no state, including China, can impose its hegemony'. This reflects the balance of power theory, not exclusive alliances or economic containment, which are not the primary focus mentioned.

Explanation

As mentioned in the article, China's expansive 'nine-dash line' claim was rejected by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016. The PCA is an intergovernmental organization providing dispute resolution services, including arbitration between states.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article lists the 2003 Iraq invasion as a consequential breach of the UN Charter. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states Iran's nuclear programme 'allegedly accelerated following the agreement’s (JCPOA) unravelling'. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the collapse of the INF Treaty as an example of weakened arms-control.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'states have violated UNCLOS, one of the most widely ratified treaties in the world.' While the other treaties are important, only UNCLOS is given this specific descriptor in the provided text.

Explanation

The article's central argument is that impunity for powerful violators erodes the entire rules-based system. It concludes that such actions 'signal to others that norms are optional and that might is right. The result is a world sliding back toward the law of the jungle.' The other options describe specific enforcement mechanisms not highlighted as the primary consequence.

Explanation

The Quad, as mentioned in the article, is a grouping of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. It is an informal strategic forum focused on the Indo-Pacific region.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct as the ministers finalized a Quad Critical Mineral cooperation initiative. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article explicitly states the joint statement expressed concern over developments in the East and South China Seas, and the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Explanation

The article states: 'The Quad began at an official-level in 2007, was reborn in 2017 at a higher official level, and was upgraded to leader-level engagement in 2021.' This is a key milestone in the evolution of the grouping.

Explanation

The article identifies that constraints on the joint statement's language 'appeared to arise out of the U.S.’s new engagement with China and Russia.' It further states that the US's unilateral moves are a challenge to the grouping's internal cohesion.

Explanation

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is headquartered in Paris, France. It was established in 1974 within the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The article references its 'Global EV Outlook 2024' report.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states renewables accounted for 50% of total installed energy capacity in Zhejiang. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article specifies that 60-70% of the work is done by robots, with about 2,300 people still working in the assembly factory. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions China processes 90% of rare earth elements.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that China accounted for around 60% of all global EV sales according to the IEA's Global EV Outlook 2024. This is a key data point highlighting China's market dominance.

Explanation

The article quotes Qian Zhimin stating that due to tensions in West Asia and maritime routes, "the green transition is now a practical choice to enhance energy security and self-reliance." This frames the transition as a strategic imperative for stability, not just an environmental goal.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that 'India Meteorological Department data show' the trends in heatwave frequency and duration. IMD, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is the primary agency for weather monitoring and forecasting in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Core Heatwave Zone covers 'about 30% of India’s total land area'. Statement 2 is incorrect because the frequency has 'risen by 0.1 days per decade', not decreased. Statement 3 is directly quoted from the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article provides the precise data point: 'Their maximum duration has increased by 0.55 days per decade'. The other options are distractors; 0.10 days is the increase in frequency, while 1.00 and 2.50 days are not mentioned.

Explanation

The article argues that the 'seduction of the technological fix' with more ACs is dangerous. It explains that while ACs shield privileged indoor workers, they expel waste heat, fuelling the urban heat island effect and making outdoor conditions worse for the majority.

Explanation

Article 22 of the Indian Constitution specifically deals with protection against arrest and detention in certain cases. Clauses (4) to (7) provide the procedural safeguards for persons detained under a preventive detention law, such as the right to be informed of grounds and the right to have the detention reviewed by an advisory board.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court quashed the detention order, stating that cheating cases did not warrant invocation of the Goondas Act. Statement 2 is correct as per the article: 'there is no live and proximate link with the detenu’s past conduct.' Statement 3 is incorrect; the court noted the officer had 28 years of IPS experience and was 'not a novice'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'If with 28 years of experience, such an order can be passed, it would only mean that it was done deliberately...' The other options are plausible distractors but do not match the specific data point mentioned in the judgment.

Explanation

The core reasoning of the court, as per the article, was that 'the materials relied on... are rather stale and there is no live and proximate link... there was no urgent or imperative need to detain the detenu.' The other options describe procedural or substantive issues not raised in this specific judgment.

Explanation

The CAPFs, including the CRPF and others mentioned in security contexts, are under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is responsible for internal security.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; QR-coded identity cards were issued for service providers (like palanquin operators), not for pilgrims. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article. Hence option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Centre has increased CAPF deployment for the upcoming '57 days of Amarnath yatra'. The other options are plausible distractors for similar events.

Explanation

The article states that QR-coded IDs were issued 'to discourage mingling of miscreants among them' following the Pahalgam terror attack. This is a security measure aimed at preventing infiltration through service provider channels.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Code on Social Security rules were notified on May 8 and that the National Social Security Board for gig and platform workers is being operationalised based on these rules.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the Joint Secretary's quote. Statement 2 is incorrect; the rules were notified on May 8, 2026, not April. Statement 3 is correct as the official said e-Shram has the potential to change benefit delivery with portability.

Explanation

Ashutosh AT Pednekar, Joint Secretary, stated that the potential is to reach around 2.5 crore workers by the end of the decade. The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The official explicitly states that portability of benefits is a challenge worldwide, including India, and that e-Shram has the potential to change how benefits are given by addressing this portability issue.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT has begun examining whether Airtel's service breaches the non-discrimination principle. This committee oversees matters related to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's definition. Statement 2 is incorrect; the debate centers on user-level prioritization, but Airtel and Jio argue the slicing is 'application-agnostic', meaning all apps within the slice are treated equally. Statement 3 is correct as per Airtel's claim mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article states Airtel had a total customer base of 482 million, of whom only around 6% (29 million) were postpaid users. The other options are distractors not mentioned in the provided content.

Explanation

The article clearly states Airtel's defense: 'the company says the slicing is "content-neutral", meaning all apps continue to be treated equally within the dedicated slice.' This is the core of their argument for compliance with net neutrality rules that prohibit discrimination based on content.