31 May 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

As stated in the article, the Strait of Hormuz is the narrow corridor connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, which then joins the Arabian Sea. This is a fundamental geographic fact.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is correct: 25% of seaborne oil passed through. Statement 3 is incorrect: There are eight major islands, Iran controls seven; the ownership of Abu Musa and the Tunbs is contested with the UAE, though Iran controls them de facto.

Explanation

The article cites the U.S. Energy Information Administration stating that in 2025 alone, 20 million barrels of oil and oil products passed through the Strait of Hormuz every day. This is a key data point for prelims.

Explanation

The article frames Iran's action as a use of asymmetric warfare. By closing the chokepoint with cheap, disruptive weapons, Iran aimed to inflict severe economic pain (rising fuel prices, insurance costs) on the global economy, thereby leveraging its geographic advantage against conventionally superior adversaries.

Explanation

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is a statutory committee constituted under the RBI Act to determine the interest rate (repo rate) to achieve the inflation target. The article explicitly mentions the MPC's upcoming meeting on June 5.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as mentioned: 'The RBI had kept the main policy instrument, the repo rate... unchanged at 5.25% in the April policy review.' Statement 2 is incorrect because the article states CPI inflation at 3.48% is 'below the RBI's 4 per cent medium-term target.' Statement 3 is correct as per the article: 'The cumulative increase... is estimated to have a direct impact of around 35 bps on headline CPI inflation.'

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'High WPI inflation in April, at 8.3%, increases the risk of faster pass-through to consumers.' CPI inflation was 3.48% and the repo rate is 5.25%, making the other options close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that growth 'is expected to remain below the economy's estimated potential growth rate of 7 per cent' and that 'growth continues to require policy support.' It also states core inflation is benign (2.1%), ruling out aggressive tightening. The US Fed held rates, and monetary policy is not directly used to reduce fiscal deficit.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that when the victim is a child, provisions of the POCSO Act may apply alongside Sections 143 and 144 of the BNS and/or the provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA).

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Court held that a child's consent is irrelevant regardless of means used. Statement 3 is incorrect as the article states Article 23 is enforceable against private individuals as well.

Explanation

The article clearly mentions that the Bench delivering the judgment consisted of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan. The other options are names of other Supreme Court judges not mentioned in the context.

Explanation

The article states that once the POCSO Act applies, procedures for reporting, recording the victim's statement, and medical examination are governed by its specific provisions, which are designed to be more sensitive and protective of the child's interests.

Explanation

As per the article, OGAI is a unified regulator under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), with its Chairperson being an Additional Secretary of MeitY.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect because the GST rate upheld was 28%, not 18%. Statement 2 is correct as the article states the court treated the amendments as clarificatory. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the verdict revives tax demands of nearly ₹2.5 lakh crore.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that for repeat offences under the Act, the jail term can extend to five years (and the fine to Rs 2 crore). The maximum for a first-time offender is three years.

Explanation

The core of the dispute and the Court's verdict, as per the article, was that the government's interpretation prevailed, and the 2023 amendments were treated as 'clarificatory'. This legal characterization is what permits retrospective application, as it suggests the law was always meant to be read that way.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India, a permanent constitutional body, is established under Article 324 of the Constitution. It is vested with the superintendence, direction, and control of elections.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the SC upheld ECI's power. Statement 2 is incorrect; the court clarified that exclusion from the roll is NOT a declaration of non-citizenship. Statement 3 is correct as the court mandated referral to the Central Government under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Explanation

The article states that after the SIR in Bihar before the November 2025 polls, the ECI had completed the process in 11 more states and Union Territories. It had also notified dates for SIRs in 19 others.

Explanation

The Supreme Court's judgment specifically links the ECI's authority to examine citizenship to Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. This section explicitly disqualifies a person from being registered in an electoral roll if they are not a citizen of India.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'pathbreaking ruling' was delivered by the Delhi High Court in the case involving Hindware Limited and Google.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the court observed Google's conduct amounts to 'free-riding'. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions the discovery happened in early 2013. Statement 3 is incorrect because the article notes Google changed its policy in India post-2009, and its policy differs from that in the EU/EFTA.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'Until 2009, Google did not permit the use of trademarks as keywords in India, but the policy was changed post the year 2009.' This is a key factual data point from the news.

Explanation

The court's core observation was that by auctioning trademarks, Google monetizes the brand's reputation built by the owner over years, which is 'free-riding' on that goodwill. The other options, like data localization or competition law, are not mentioned in the article as the court's basis.

Explanation

The article mentions Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy promoting surface coal gasification. The Ministry of Coal and Mines oversees coal resources and mining policies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; fluidised-bed gasification is considered suitable for high-ash Indian coal, not fixed-bed. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Talcher project is expected in FY2027-28, not FY2029-30.

Explanation

The article states that India possesses approximately 401 billion tonnes of coal. 47 billion tonnes is the lignite reserve, 100 billion tonnes is the gasification target by 2030, and 500 billion tonnes is not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the rationale is to reduce import dependence, as India imports one-fifth of its urea requirement and 80-90% of its methanol requirement. The other options are not the primary objective mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the 'Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports' summoned the officials. This is a static fact about the committee's nomenclature.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's history section. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Governing Body suggested implementing OSM 'only after completion of pilot projects', not immediately. Statement 3 is correct as mentioned in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states: 'The CBSE’s pass percentage has dipped to 85.29% this year from 88.39% last year.' 88.39% is the previous year's percentage, making it a close distractor.

Explanation

The article contrasts successful OSM use in Cambridge/IB by noting they have 'far fewer exam centres and students, and more centralised scanning infrastructure'. It explicitly states CBSE's challenge includes 33,000 affiliated schools with 'uneven digital infrastructure and teacher training'.

Explanation

The article repeatedly cites data and forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), such as its outlook for May 2026 and its study of the Core Heatwave Zone from 1961-2020. IMD is the primary national agency for meteorological observations and weather forecasting.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the IMD study cited. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Nature Cities study attributed only around 38% of the urban warming (0.53°C/decade) to urbanisation itself. Statement 3 is correctly mentioned in the article's conclusion on El Niño impact. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article specifically states: "The study also found that nights warmed faster than days, at roughly 0.21°C per decade." The other options are distractors: 0.1 days/decade is the heatwave frequency increase, 0.44 days/decade is the duration increase, and 0.53°C/decade is the urban warming rate.

Explanation

The article's core caution is about mistaking weather for climate. It explicitly says: "One day cannot establish a trend, as the article itself acknowledges." While the other options (private data source, geographical bias, methodology issue) are also mentioned as flaws, the fundamental scientific error is using a single-day event to represent a climate signal.

Explanation

The ASHA program was launched in 2005 under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), a flagship program to provide accessible healthcare to rural populations. Ayushman Bharat was launched later, in 2018.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the Gadchiroli model involved training healthcare workers to treat pneumonia in children and became the blueprint for ASHA. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article states India spends only 1% of GDP on health, not 10%. Statement 3 is correct as the article proposes a male health worker named 'Ashok'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, "So currently there are one million ASHAs in India." One million is equal to ten lakh. The other options are distractors based on proposed future numbers or common misremembered figures.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that in the age of NCDs, every village has many patients with hypertension and diabetes, requiring more health workers. It states the need for 2-3 workers per village and a male worker ('Ashok') to improve access for the male population, directly addressing the NCD challenge.

Explanation

The article mentions the BrahMos missile system is supplied by India. Static GK confirms it is a joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'The Philippines had become the first foreign buyer...in 2022'. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says the Indonesia deal is in 'final stages' and details are 'yet to be made public'. Statement 3 is correct as Defence Secretary said, 'Obviously, you share technology with people you trust' and 'we treat all of you as "friendly foreign countries"'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'Signing a contract worth nearly 375 million dollars, The Philippines had become the first foreign buyer...in 2022'.

Explanation

The Secretary stated, 'Nations today require resilient, trusted, diversified, and technologically adaptive defence industrial ecosystems' and that India is ready 'to build resilient supply chains and trusted defence partnerships'. While revenue and strategic counter-balances might be indirect outcomes, the primary objective articulated is building trusted partnerships for collective security.

Explanation

The directive was issued by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, who heads the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The MHA is the nodal ministry for internal security, border management, and policing.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states the security coordination group should include Coast Guard and Lead Bank Manager. Statement 2 is incorrect because the article says the responsibility for customs laws (among others) is of the DMs, SPs, and IG of the border range, not solely the BSF. Statement 3 is correct as per the directive that the Income Tax department should launch a major survey in collaboration with the RBI.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the review meeting was held in Bhuj on Friday, during Shah's visit to the Kutch district. The other cities are major cities in Gujarat but were not the venue for this specific meeting.

Explanation

The article links demographic monitoring directly to security, mentioning the need for SOPs to identify 'already-settled infiltrators'. While other options are general functions of demographic data, the specific context of the meeting and the directives point towards a national security objective.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai acted as the nodal agency for NFHS-6. IIPS is a deemed university and a key institution for demographic surveys in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article says it covered 715 districts, not all districts. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions progress in maternal and child health including vaccination. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article clearly states that NFHS-6 covered households across 715 districts. The other options are close but incorrect numbers.

Explanation

The article states that the survey 'provides vital evidence on population, health, nutrition and family welfare indicators and supports evidence-based planning and programme implementation up to the district level.' This is its core objective. Other options are either too narrow or not mentioned.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that General Subramani was serving as the Military Advisor at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) prior to his appointment as CDS. The NSCS is the executive agency of the National Security Council.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'He succeeded General Anil Chauhan, who signed off after completing his tenure... on Saturday (May 30, 2026).' Statement 2 is correct: '...primary mandate to implement the ambitious military theaterisation plan and bolster tri-service synergy.' Statement 3 is incorrect; the article states he was serving as Military Advisor at the NSCS, not as CISC.

Explanation

The article provides the exact commissioning date: 'He was commissioned into the eighth battalion of the Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985.' The other options are close distractors based on other significant dates mentioned (like his tenure as Vice Chief starting July 1, 2024).

Explanation

As per the article, the CDS's 'primary mandate' is to implement theaterisation, and his task is 'rolling out integrated military commands.' The core objective is to move from single-service commands to integrated ones for better jointness and synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, not just to increase personnel, focus on one service, or reduce costs.

Explanation

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is the autonomous body established by the Government of India to conduct entrance examinations like NEET, JEE (Main), and others.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states NEET will shift to CBT from 2027 onwards. Statement 2 is incorrect; while CBT reduces risks, the article cautions that it does not automatically create a secure ecosystem and cannot compensate for weak infrastructure. Statement 3 is correct as the article's core argument is that infrastructure, not software, is the real challenge.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that conducting a secure digital examination for 'over 22 lakh aspirants' is a unique challenge. The other figures are plausible distractors but not cited in the text.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the Aadarsh Pariksha Kendra model's significance lies in its design philosophy: creating purpose-built centres with controlled entry, biometric verification, and integrated surveillance, rather than adapting existing, often inadequate, infrastructure. This is presented as a blueprint for a national framework.

Explanation

As per the Indian judiciary structure, the Calcutta High Court has jurisdiction over the state of West Bengal and the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The High Court of Sikkim is a separate court.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The court acquitted due to failure of prosecution to establish foundational facts and biased investigation, not because medical evidence 'conclusively proved innocence'. Statement 2 is correct as per the article. Statement 3 is correct as the judgment highlighted a concerning trend regarding the victim compensation scheme.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Calcutta High Court directed the state to pay the professor Rs 10 lakh as compensation for the wrongful incarceration he endured for more than four years.

Explanation

The judgment emphasised that 'the state must remain accountable for the systemic failures of its functionaries,' which included gross incompetence in investigation and ethically deficient conduct of the prosecutor. Compensation was for the wrongful incarceration caused by these failures.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions the collaborative team was from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Fergusson College, and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune. IIT Bombay is not mentioned in the context of this study.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states WBGT was originally invented in the 1950s for training US Army and Marine troops, not for industrial settings. Statements 2 and 3 are directly mentioned as findings of the study in the article.

Explanation

The article clearly states the study established WBGT threshold limits for Pune as 31.5°C, 32°C, and 33°C, corresponding to low, moderate, and extreme heat stress levels, respectively. 32.2°C is the approximate US threshold mentioned for comparison.

Explanation

As explained in the article, WBGT factors in humidity, wind, and radiation, giving a holistic measure of heat stress directly relevant to human health, especially for the elderly and outdoor workers. This data is crucial for designing effective public health and urban resilience strategies, which is the core implication discussed.

Explanation

The article states the National Steering Committee meeting was chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). PM-SETU is a skilling and employability transformation scheme, which falls under the mandate of MSDE.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states the scheme aims to transform 1,000 Government ITIs. Statement 2 is incorrect; the total outlay is ₹60,000 crore, not ₹50,000 crore. Statement 3 is correct as Andhra Pradesh is stated to be the first state to onboard an Anchor Industry Partner. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the National Steering Committee approved a ₹200.21-crore Strategic Investment Plan for Visakhapatnam’s ITI Cluster. The other options are close but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The article states the PM-SETU scheme aims to transform ITIs through an industry-led 'Hub-and-Spoke' model, designed specifically to modernise infrastructure and align vocational training with the requirements of advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.

Explanation

The NPCI is the umbrella organization that owns and operates the UPI platform. While the RBI provides the overarching regulatory framework, the NPCI sets the technical and operational guidelines, including security protocols like the biometric authentication mandate mentioned in the article.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: biometric verification is mandated for high-value UPI transactions, not all transactions. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's LPG guidelines. Statement 3 is incorrect: the refill gap is 25 days for urban areas and 45 days for rural areas, not the other way around. This is a classic data-swapping trap.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have revised the mandatory gap between ordering gas cylinders to 45 days for rural areas. The urban gap is 25 days. The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the 'Pre-Transaction Name Verification' rule is introduced 'in order to stop misdirected payments.' By showing the full official name from a secure database, it aims to reduce errors and fraud, directly enhancing payment security. The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

As stated in the article, India's chief negotiator is Darpan Jain, who is an additional secretary in the Department of Commerce. This department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry handles India's multilateral and bilateral trade relations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the proposed purchase is over the next five years, not ten years. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the USTR launched two unilateral Section 301 investigations against India over excess capacity and failures to eradicate forced labor.

Explanation

The article states that the trade surplus declined to $34.4 billion in 2025-26 from $40.89 billion in 2024-25. $40.89 billion is the previous year's surplus, $52.9 billion is the import value, and $87.3 billion is the export value.

Explanation

The article explains that after the US Supreme Court ruling, the US President announced 10% tariffs on all countries. This changed the tariff landscape, meaning India's comparative advantage was affected, and thus 'the pact requires recalibration.' The other options are not mentioned as reasons in the article.

Explanation

As per the article, BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. This is a key static fact regarding India's defence indigenisation.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Philippines signed a $375 million contract in 2022, becoming the first foreign buyer. Statement 2 is incorrect: The mandate requires the use of domestically manufactured solar cells, not assembly of panels. Statement 3 is correct: The article states the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter in March.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the IMD cut its monsoon forecast to 90% of the Long Period Average (LPA) in May 2026, which is noted as the lowest forecast in 20 years. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article clearly states the mandate is 'aimed at reducing India's dependence on imports and strengthening the domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem.' While cost reduction may be a long-term goal, the stated primary objective is indigenisation and supply chain security.

Explanation

As per the Constituent Assembly debate detailed in the article, the provision for cow protection was placed in the Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 48) and not in Fundamental Rights, as the latter pertained to human rights.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Thakurdas Bhargava and Seth Govind Das initially wanted it in Fundamental Rights but agreed with Ambedkar to place it in DPSP. Statement 2 is incorrect: Gandhi focused on 'gau seva' and persuasion, not coercion, stating he would never harm a Muslim. Statement 3 is correct: On February 10, 1955, the S. Sampoornanand-led UP government accepted the Dr Sitaram Committee report recommending a ban.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that under the Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, in West Bengal, only cattle above 14 years of age can be slaughtered after mandatory certification. The other options are plausible distractors but not mentioned.

Explanation

The article states that proponents agreed with B.R. Ambedkar that cow protection be part of DPSP instead of FR because 'the Fundamental Rights pertained to humans and this was a question of animal rights.' This highlights the constitutional philosophy behind the classification.

Explanation

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) are robotic systems that operate on land surfaces without a human occupant. They are remotely controlled or autonomous, which aligns with the article's description of 'remotely piloted tanks' and 'combat robots'.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states robotic systems helped overcome manpower shortages. Statement 2 is incorrect; the exact number is 22,000 missions, not over 30,000. Statement 3 is correct as the military said operations by unmanned systems helped reduce casualties. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that President Zelensky claimed unmanned systems had carried out 22,000 missions since January. The other options are close distractors to test precise factual recall.

Explanation

The article states that the technology has 'transformed battlefield tactics by throwing the spotlight on technical expertise, remote coordination and military innovation.' It does not claim complete immunity to cyber attacks, reduction in importance of engineers, or full replacement of infantry.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "A Forest Survey of India (FSI) assessment of 2018 found that 31 of the 128 Aravalli hills in Rajasthan had disappeared..." The WII study from 2009 is also mentioned but it identified gaps in the range, not the count of lost hills.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's explanation of the range's protective role. Statement 2 is incorrect; the IMD atlas shows a frequency of 0.89 to 1.55 dust-storm days, not 2.5-3.5. Statement 3 is correct as directly mentioned in the article. Hence, option C is correct.

Explanation

The article states: "...shows that parts of northwest India fall in the highest dust-storm frequency class, averaging 0.89 to 1.55 dust-storm days." The other options are plausible but incorrect distractors.

Explanation

The core argument of the article is that the weakening Aravalli shield allows dust to be carried to regions like Delhi at lower wind speeds (35-40 kmph) than before, when only intense storms could do so. This directly impacts air quality and climate in the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Explanation

Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution of India explicitly states that the requirement for an inquiry does not apply where the President/Governor is satisfied that holding an inquiry is not expedient for the security of the State.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Division Bench upheld the dismissal. Statement 2 is incorrect because the court defined 'security of the State' to include terrorism, espionage, militant links, activities threatening sovereignty, and grave anti-national conduct. Statement 3 is incorrect as the court stated judicial review is 'very limited and constricted', not completely barred.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that 91 government employees have been dismissed since 2021. This is a concrete data point for Prelims-type factual recall.

Explanation

The core legal provision invoked is Article 311(2)(c), which permits bypassing the inquiry requirement when the President/Governor is satisfied it is not expedient for state security. The doctrine of pleasure (Article 310) is the broader principle, but the specific exception applied is Clause (2)(c) of Article 311.