Answer: C

Explanation:

In this question, statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 1 is correct because Panchayati Raj Institutions were granted constitutional status through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992), which came into force in 1993, and added Part IX (Articles 243 to 243-O) to the Constitution. Statement 2 is incorrect because this amendment is not limited only to Gram Panchayats, but includes a three-tier structure—Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level). Statement 3 is correct because this amendment institutionalised the three-tier Panchayati Raj system across the country. Recently, on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day (24 April 2026), it has been noted that 33 years of this amendment have been completed, and Panchayats are now being further strengthened through financial empowerment, digital governance tools (such as e-GramSwaraj), and performance-based evaluation (Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0), which assesses their performance based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Answer: A

Explanation:

In this question, both Statement (A) and Reason (R) are correct, and R correctly explains A.

Recently, an increase in minimum (night-time) temperature in Delhi has been observed, along with a heatwave forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This highlights an important concept that heatwaves are not limited to high daytime temperatures; elevated night-time temperatures are equally dangerous.

When night temperatures remain high, the human body does not get sufficient time to cool down, leading to cumulative heat stress, which makes heatwaves more severe.

The main reason is that normally radiational cooling occurs at night, but due to factors like—
• Urban Heat Island effect
• High humidity
• Cloud cover

this cooling process becomes ineffective.

In recent days, Delhi has recorded both high maximum and high minimum temperatures, which has intensified heatwave conditions and necessitated warnings.

Thus, it is clear that rising night-time temperatures significantly amplify the intensity of heatwaves.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, the incident of some Rajya Sabha MPs of the Aam Aadmi Party joining the Bharatiya Janata Party has once again brought the Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule) into discussion. The key issue here is whether this situation constitutes defection or a merger.

According to constitutional provisions, if at least two-thirds of the members of a political party join another party together, it may be treated as a valid merger, and in such cases, disqualification does not apply.

In the context of the Rajya Sabha, the authority to decide such matters lies with the Chairman, who determines whether the case is one of defection or a valid merger.

It is also clear that this law is not limited to the Lok Sabha alone; it applies equally to the Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

The present controversy is important because some experts argue that merely the MPs switching parties is not sufficient; a formal merger of the original political party is also required. Therefore, the final decision in such cases is taken by the Chairman based on case-specific interpretation, which highlights an important practical constitutional aspect from an examination perspective.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Recently, the 7th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Dustlik 2026’ between India and Uzbekistan was conducted in Namangan, Uzbekistan, from 12 to 25 April 2026.

This exercise is an annual bilateral military exercise that began in 2019. It is hosted alternately by both countries— for instance, in 2025 it was held in Pune, India, while in 2026 it took place in Uzbekistan.

The primary objective of this exercise is to strengthen military cooperation between India and Uzbekistan and to enhance interoperability, enabling their armed forces to operate more effectively in joint operations.

The exercise mainly focuses on counter-terrorism operations, joint special forces operations, and tactical military drills, where soldiers are trained under realistic operational scenarios.

Thus, the ‘Dustlik’ exercise not only contributes to capacity building in military terms but also serves as an important step in strengthening strategic and defence cooperation between India and the Central Asian region.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Recently, scientists have identified a giant octopus-like prehistoric creature, popularly referred to as the “Cretaceous Kraken.” It is believed to have lived during the Cretaceous period, the age of dinosaurs, inhabiting ancient oceans.

The primary evidence of its existence comes from fossilized beaks (hard jaws). Since octopus-like creatures have soft bodies, complete fossilization is rare; hence, only their hard parts, such as beaks, are typically preserved.

This discovery suggests that it was a large cephalopod (octopus-like organism) and likely played the role of an important predator in the marine ecosystem of that time.

Importantly, this finding challenges the traditional belief that only vertebrates (such as sharks or marine reptiles) were apex predators. It indicates that invertebrates, like giant cephalopods, could also occupy top positions in the food chain.

Thus, the discovery marks a significant shift in our understanding of ancient marine ecosystems and evolutionary dynamics, showing that ecological dominance was not limited to vertebrates alone.