Answer: D

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Strait of Hormuz is indeed the only maritime sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, making it one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints.

Statement 2 is correct: Approximately 20% of the world's petroleum supply and one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade pass through the strait.

Statement 3 is correct: Hormuz is primarily an outbound route for Middle Eastern producers to Asian markets. Nearly 83% to 84% of the crude oil and LNG transiting through the strait goes to nations in Asia, including major buyers like China, India, and South Korea.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: India is highly dependent on foreign sources for its energy, importing over 88% of its crude oil requirements.

Statement 2 is correct: Leveraging discounted prices following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia has emerged as India's largest single crude oil supplier, accounting for as much as 45% of India's import basket at times.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Indian petroleum ministry officials have consistently clarified that India's sourcing of Russian crude is based on commercial viability and domestic energy security needs, and India will continue these purchases irrespective of United States sanction waivers. The waivers merely provide operational convenience for shipping and payment clearances through sanctioned entities, rather than dictating the core policy.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court expanded the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) to include the right to move freely in public spaces without the fear of stray dog attacks. The Court held that Article 21 is not just about mere survival but guarantees the right to live with dignity and safety.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While Article 51A(g) places a fundamental duty on citizens to have compassion for living creatures, the Court clarified that animal welfare cannot override citizens' fundamental rights to safety, mobility, and dignity under Articles 19 and 21.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Court ruled that stray dogs do not possess an unrestricted right to occupy public spaces, especially high-footfall institutional areas, if they pose a threat to human life and safety.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: During Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Seoul, both nations discussed the India-Korea Defence Innovation Accelerator Ecosystem (KIND-X). This ecosystem is designed to integrate innovation networks between the two countries to promote co-development and research in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), sensors, semiconductors, and cyber capabilities.

Statement 2 is correct: Strengthening defence industrial collaboration is a major focus under the upgraded Special Strategic Partnership. To reinforce defence production and technology transfer, two major agreements were formalized between India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace. This aligns closely with India’s Make in India framework.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Although India contributed significantly during the Korean War (1950–1953), it did not deploy combat infantry battalions. Instead, India provided vital humanitarian and medical aid by deploying the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance unit, which treated over 200,000 patients and performed thousands of surgeries. India also played a prominent diplomatic and peacekeeping role by chairing the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:
During the May 2026 bilateral talks in Rome between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, India and Italy officially elevated their bilateral ties from a standard Strategic Partnership to a "Special Strategic Partnership". This reflects deepening political trust and extensive cooperation across multiple sectors.

Statement 2 is correct:
Expanding economic and trade cooperation is a central pillar of the Special Strategic Partnership. Both countries have set a concrete bilateral trade target of Euro 20 billion by 2029, up from the baseline of approximately Euro 14 billion.

Statement 3 is incorrect:
Italy has not withdrawn its support for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). In fact, Italy reaffirmed its strong support for IMEEC, viewing it as a vital strategic connectivity initiative for trade, energy security, and resilient supply chains. Both sides even agreed to convene the first IMEEC ministerial meeting.