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  • Rare Blood Red Aurora over Ladakh 

    Why in the News?

    A rare blood red aurora was observed over Hanle in Ladakh on 19–20 January 2026 following a powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by a fast coronal mass ejection from the Sun.

    Key Facts about the Event

    • Observed at the Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle
    • Captured by an all sky camera operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics
    • Sixth such intense red aurora recorded at Hanle during the current solar cycle
    • Rare because auroras usually occur near polar regions, not mid latitudes like Ladakh

    Cause of the Red Aurora

    • Triggered by a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) launched on 18 January
    • CME associated with an X1.9 class solar flare
    • Originated from Active Region 14341 near the centre of the Sun
    • CME interacted with Earth’s magnetosphere
    • Resulted in a G4 level geomagnetic storm on the NOAA scale classified as severe

    Why the Aurora Appeared Red

    • Caused by excitation of oxygen atoms in the upper atmosphere
    • Occurs at high altitudes around 200 to 400 km
    • Red auroras are rarer than green ones and indicate strong space weather

    [2012] Electrically charged particles from space travelling at speeds of several hundred km/sec can severely harm living beings if they reach the surface of the Earth. What prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth? 

    (a) The Earth’s magnetic field diverts them towards its poles 

    (b) Ozone layer around the Earth reflects them back to outer space 

    (c) Moisture in the upper layers of atmosphere prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth 

    (d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct

  • National Legal Services Authority 

    Why in the News?

    The Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Justice, informed the Rajya Sabha about the establishment of district legal services clinics by the National Legal Services Authority to expand access to justice.

    About National Legal Services Authority

    • Established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
    • Objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the poor and marginalised sections
    • Ensures implementation of Article 39A of the Constitution

    Organisational Structure

    • NALSA is housed in the Supreme Court of India, New Delhi
    • State Legal Services Authorities in every State
    • High Court Legal Services Committees in every High Court
    • District Legal Services Authorities at district level
    • Taluk Legal Services Committees at taluk level

    Free Legal Services Include

    • Payment of court fees, process fees, and other legal charges
    • Legal representation by lawyers
    • Supply of certified copies of judgments and documents
    • Preparation of appeals, paper books, translation, and printing of documents
    [2020] In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? 

    1. Person with an annual income of less than ₹ 1,00,000 

    2. Transgender with an annual income of less than ₹ 2,00,000 

    3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than ₹ 3,00,000 

    4. All Senior Citizens 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 4 only

  • Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary 

    Why in the News?

    Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared Maoist free and is emerging as a key leopard habitat, with forest officials estimating over 70 leopards in the sanctuary.

    What does “Maoist free” mean?

    Maoist free refers to an area that has been cleared of active Maoist (Left Wing Extremist) presence and where no operational influence, camps, or armed activity of Maoist groups remains.

    About Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Located in Odisha, in Nuapada district
    • Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1983
    • Adjoins Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary and Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Forms part of an inter state forest landscape between Odisha and Chhattisgarh

    Physical Features

    • Terrain includes plateaus, deep canyons, and 11 waterfalls
    • Acts as catchment of the Jonk River
    • Jonk River is a tributary of the Mahanadi River
    • An irrigation dam constructed across the river
    • Vegetation: Dominated by Dry Deciduous Tropical Forests

    Prelims Pointers

    • Sunabeda lies in western Odisha
    • Declared sanctuary in 1983
    • Shares boundary with Udanti Sitanadi landscape
    • Part of Mahanadi river basin via Jonk River
    • Known for leopard population recovery after Maoist decline
    [2024] Consider the following statements: 

    1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season. 

    2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar. 

    3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Vishwamitri River  

    Why in the News?

    The Vishwamitri River, flowing through Vadodara in Gujarat, has drawn attention due to the presence of a large urban population of mugger crocodiles, earning it the title India’s Crocodile River.

    About Vishwamitri River

    • A small non perennial river in eastern Gujarat
    • Origin: Western and southern slopes of the Pavagadh Hills
    • Course: Flows westward through Vadodara city
    • Tributaries: Dhadar and Jambuva
    • Outfall: Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat
    • Total length: 200 km
    • Characterised by highly meandering and sinuous course

    Biodiversity Along the River

    • Mammals: Porcupine, Indian civet, Jungle cat
    • Reptiles: Cobras, Pythons, Checkered keelback, Bengal monitor
    • Supports a major population of Mugger crocodile

    Mugger Crocodiles 

    • Scientific name Crocodylus palustris
    • Distribution: Iran to Bangladesh, Nepal to Sri Lanka
    • In India found in 15 states
    • Also called Indian crocodile
    • 2025 census recorded 442 muggers
    • Found within a 21 km urban stretch in Vadodara
    • Freshwater rivers, lakes, ponds, hill streams
    • Can survive in coastal saltwater lagoons
    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
    [2017] If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit? 

    (a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves 

    (b) Chambal River 

    (c) Pulicat Lake 

    (d) Deepor Beel

  • Reconstructing the Sun’s Invisible Magnetic Fields

    Why in the News?

    Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur have reconstructed the internal magnetic fields of the Sun using 30 years of surface data, improving the ability to predict solar cycles and space weather. The study was published on January 20 in Astrophysical Journal Letters.

    Background

    • The Sun follows an ~11 year solar activity cycle driving sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections
    • These events affect satellites, navigation systems, power grids and communications on Earth
    • Prediction is difficult because magnetic fields originate deep inside the Sun, beyond direct observation

    What is New in This Study?

    • Instead of relying on simplified theoretical assumptions, researchers used a data driven solar dynamo model
    • Real observations of surface magnetic fields were fed into a 3D computer simulation
    • This allowed reconstruction of the invisible magnetic fields inside the Sun

    Key Scientific Findings

    • Successfully reproduced the Butterfly Diagram, showing sunspot migration from high latitudes to the equator
    • Revealed behaviour of the toroidal magnetic field in the Sun’s convection zone
    • Internal magnetic field strength matched actual Solar Cycles 23, 24 and 25

    Significance

    • Advances understanding of solar dynamo physics
    • Enhances space weather forecasting accuracy
    • Critical for protecting space based assets and communication infrastructure
    [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? 

    1. GPS and navigation systems could fail. 

    2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions. 

    3. Power grids could be damaged. 

    4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth. 

    5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet. 

    6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed. 

    7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

  • PAIMANA Portal

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has operationalised the PAIMANA portal for mandatory monitoring of Central Sector Infrastructure Projects worth ₹150 crore and above.

    About PAIMANA Portal

    • PAIMANA stands for Project Assessment, Infrastructure Monitoring and Analytics for Nation-building.
    • It is a flagship digital initiative of MoSPI aimed at strengthening monitoring, transparency and data driven governance in infrastructure development.

    Objectives

    • Create a centralised national repository of major infrastructure projects
    • Enable evidence based decision making using analytics
    • Improve data accuracy, operational efficiency and project oversight

    Key Features

    • Centralised Project Monitoring: Single window system for ministries, departments and implementing agencies to upload, track and review project data
    • Real Time Dashboards: Interactive dashboards with drill down options to monitor progress across sectors, states and timelines
    • Advanced Data Analytics: Includes reporting tools, query modules, review cases and identification of data gaps
    • Role Based Access: Different user roles for data entry, validation and monitoring to ensure accountability
    • Integration: Integrated with Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade’s Integrated Project Monitoring Portal (IPMP or IIG PMG) through APIs
    • Coverage: Mandatory monitoring of Central Sector Infrastructure Projects worth ₹150 crore and above
    [2022] In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO)? 

    1. CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India

    2. It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks

    3. It hears any objection to the Government’s notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas

    4. It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 4

  • [30th January 2026] The Hindu OpED: India-Arab League: bridging cultures, creating opportunities

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2017] The question of India’s energy security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian countries.

    Linkage: Energy security remains central to India’s economic progress, with West Asia continuing as India’s largest source of crude oil and LPG.  The article shows how India-Arab League engagement strengthens institutional energy cooperation.

    Mentor’s Comment

    India’s engagement with the Arab League marks a calibrated shift from transactional diplomacy to structured regional partnership. At a time of escalating conflicts in West Asia and intensifying great-power contestation, India’s outreach to the Arab League reflects both strategic necessity and diplomatic maturity. This article analyses the significance, pillars, and implications of this engagement.

    Why in the News?

    India hosted the 2nd India-Arab League Meeting in New Delhi on January 30-31, 2026, with participation from ministers and delegates of 22 Arab League members. The meeting assumes significance amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Syria, and Yemen, persistent US military build-up, and shifting regional power equations.

    How Has India-Arab League Engagement Evolved Institutionally?

    1. Institutional Framework: Formal engagement initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding (2002) to establish structured dialogue.
    2. Multilateral Integration: India granted Permanent Observer status to the Arab League in 2023.
    3. Summit Diplomacy: India-Arab Summit (2016, Bahrain) and India-Arab Partnership Investment Summit institutionalised economic engagement.
    4. Diplomatic Continuity: Regular ministerial visits and dialogues indicate sustained political commitment.

    What Are the Core Pillars of the India-Arab League Partnership?

    1. Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade exceeds USD 240 billion, with India targeting USD 200 billion investment inflows by 2030.
    2. Energy Security: Arab states supply over 50% of India’s crude oil imports and 60% of LPG requirements.
    3. Diaspora Linkages: Millions of Indian workers contribute to remittances and act as socio-economic bridges.
    4. Strategic Dialogue: Expanding engagement on security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability.

    How Does Strategic Convergence Shape the Relationship?

    1. Vision Alignment: Overlap between Saudi Vision 2030, UAE Centennial 2071, Kuwait Vision 2035, and India’s Vision 2047.
    2. Resilience Test: Partnership endured disruptions such as COVID-19 and regional conflicts.
    3. Logistics Connectivity: Majority of India’s trade passes through Suez Canal, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden.
    4. Economic Corridors: India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) enhances connectivity and supply chain resilience.

    What Is the Scale of Economic and Investment Engagement?

    1. Major Investors: UAE (USD 75 bn), Saudi Arabia (USD 100 bn), Qatar (USD 10 bn).
    2. Infrastructure Focus: Investments in ports, logistics, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
    3. Trade Expansion: Trade through the region crossed USD 2.5 trillion, enabling export growth and market diversification.
    4. FTA Momentum: CEPA with UAE and ongoing talks with Oman indicate institutional trade deepening.

    How Is Technology and Digital Cooperation Expanding?

    1. FinTech Integration: UPI linkage with UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar enhances cross-border payments.
    2. Digital Infrastructure: Emphasis on transaction transparency and cost efficiency.
    3. Knowledge Economy: Collaboration in fintech, cybersecurity, and data-driven governance.

    What Is the Emerging Security and Defence Dimension?

    1. Counter-Terrorism: Shared condemnation of terrorism, including incidents like Uri, Pathankot, Pulwama, and Pahalgam.
    2. Defence Exports: Indian platforms such as Tejas fighter aircraft, BrahMos missiles, artillery systems attract interest.
    3. Maritime Security: Cooperation to counter piracy and secure sea lanes.
    4. Future Domains: Growing engagement in cyber, space, and drone technologies.

    Why Does This Engagement Matter for India’s West Asia Strategy?

    1. Strategic Autonomy: Enables India to maintain balanced relations with competing regional actors.
    2. Energy and Economic Stability: Ensures reliable access to hydrocarbons and investment flows.
    3. Geopolitical Relevance: Positions India as a credible stakeholder in West Asian stability.
    4. Diplomatic Leverage: Allows quiet engagement on sensitive issues such as Palestine-Israel.

    Conclusion

    India-Arab League engagement reflects a transition from episodic diplomacy to sustained strategic partnership. Anchored in economic interdependence, energy security, and shared security concerns, this relationship strengthens India’s role as a stabilising power in West Asia while safeguarding its long-term national interests.

  • Why rupee challenges are primarily external

    Why in the News?

    The Indian rupee touched a historic low of around ₹91.98 per US dollar in early 2026, prompting concerns over macroeconomic stability. The Economic Survey 2025-26 identifies this episode as part of a broader global capital reallocation rather than a domestic crisis. This is significant because the Survey explicitly rejects the “currency underperformance equals weak fundamentals” assumption, even as India records strong growth, controlled inflation, and stable agricultural output. The issue is large in scale: foreign portfolio investors withdrew about $41 billion in January alone, pushing total outflows in 2025 close to $11.8 billion, making external capital volatility a first-order macroeconomic risk.

    Why Has the Rupee Been Underperforming Despite Strong Fundamentals?

    1. External Capital Outflows: Sustained withdrawal of foreign portfolio investments in equity and debt segments exerts downward pressure on the rupee despite stable domestic indicators.
    2. Magnitude of Outflows: Portfolio investors withdrew nearly $41 billion in January 2026, with cumulative outflows of $11.8 billion in 2025, indicating scale rather than episodic volatility.
    3. Domestic Counterbalancing: Mutual funds and insurance companies provided partial support, but domestic flows were insufficient to neutralise foreign exits.
    4. Investor Risk Perception: Global uncertainty induces portfolio rebalancing away from emerging markets, irrespective of individual country performance.

    How Do Capital Inflows Shape Rupee Stability?

    1. Balance of Payments Dependence: India relies on foreign capital inflows to maintain a manageable balance of payments position.
    2. Liquidity Transmission: Sudden contraction in inflows tightens dollar liquidity, amplifying exchange rate volatility.
    3. Capital Flight Risk: The Survey flags capital flight as a key near-term risk, especially during periods of global financial stress.
    4. US Dollar Dominance: Heightened demand for dollar assets during uncertainty weakens emerging market currencies uniformly.

    What Role Do Global Trade and Tariff Shocks Play?

    1. US Tariff Escalation: Steep tariff increases by the US, including potential 50% duties, create uncertainty for exporters.
    2. Export Disruption: While outbound shipments remain resilient so far, exporters face order delays and price renegotiations.
    3. Inflation Transmission: Higher tariffs on Indian goods may indirectly affect investment sentiment rather than immediate inflation.
    4. Investor Hesitation: Trade uncertainty discourages long-term capital commitments, increasing exchange-rate sensitivity.

    Why Is Manufacturing Not Enough to Stabilise the Currency?

    1. Limited Export Offset: Manufacturing strength alone cannot fully compensate for trade deficits in goods.
    2. Structural Gap: Services exports and remittances provide support but do not substitute industrial export depth.
    3. Industrial Capacity Constraint: Currency resilience requires diversified, complex manufacturing with scale.
    4. Policy Sequencing: Export competitiveness must precede exchange-rate stability, not follow it.

    What External Risks Dominate the 2026 Outlook?

    1. Global Scenario Volatility: The Survey outlines three global scenarios, baseline recovery, disorderly breakdown, and systemic shock.
    2. Capital Flow Sensitivity: Even moderate global shocks trigger disproportionate capital outflows from emerging markets.
    3. Institutional Fragility: Weaker global shock absorbers increase contagion risk across trade, finance, and currencies.
    4. Strategic Sobriety: The Survey calls for preparedness rather than optimism, given external uncertainty.

    What Policy Response Does the Survey Advocate?

    1. Liquidity Planning: Strengthens preparedness for sudden capital outflows through buffer creation.
    2. FDI Expansion: Prioritises stable long-term capital over volatile portfolio flows.
    3. Import Financing Resilience: Ensures uninterrupted financing for essential imports.
    4. Payment Diversification: Encourages diversification of trade routes and settlement systems.

    Conclusion

    The Economic Survey 2025-26 reframes rupee depreciation as an externally induced phenomenon rooted in global capital cycles rather than domestic macroeconomic weakness. Currency stability, therefore, depends less on short-term exchange-rate management and more on long-term structural resilience, particularly stable capital inflows, diversified exports, and robust external buffers.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2018] How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?

    Linkage: This PYQ directly tests how global protectionism and currency manipulation transmit external shocks into India’s exchange rate. The Economic Survey 2025-26 reinforces this by showing that rupee weakness is driven mainly by global trade tensions and volatile foreign capital flows.

  • Thorium based nuclear power key to securing energy independence

    Why in the News?

    Thorium-based nuclear power is gaining attention again as India expands its Pressurized Heavy-Water Reactor (PHWRs) using imported uranium, which allows faster production of fissile material needed for thorium use. Earlier, limited domestic uranium kept reactor capacity low and delayed the thorium programme. With a target of 100 GWe nuclear capacity, largely through PHWRs, India can now produce enough U-233, making thorium reactors practically feasible. This reflects a clear shift from long-term planning to real implementation, strengthening energy independence.

    Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)

    1. It is a nuclear reactor type that uses unenriched, natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as both coolant and moderator. 
    2. Characterized by a horizontal “Calandria” vessel, PHWRs operate under pressure to prevent boiling, offering high neutron economy and low proliferation risk. 

    How Does India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Programme Enable Thorium Use?

    1. Three-stage framework: Structures India’s nuclear strategy around uranium, plutonium, and thorium to overcome resource asymmetry.
    2. Stage One (PHWRs): Uses natural uranium to generate electricity and produce plutonium as a by-product.
    3. Stage Two (Fast Breeder Reactors): Utilises plutonium to generate power and multiply fissile material.
    4. Stage Three (Thorium reactors): Converts thorium into U-233, enabling long-term clean energy production.
    5. Strategic outcome: Ensures sustained energy security using domestically abundant thorium reserves.

    Why Is Scaling Up PHWR Capacity Critical for Thorium Transition?

    1. Irradiation capacity: Enables production of U-233 by irradiating thorium in sufficient quantities.
    2. Earlier constraint: Limited domestic uranium restricted reactor scale when the programme was conceptualised.
    3. Current shift: Access to international uranium markets removes fuel bottlenecks.
    4. Capacity expansion: Nuclear roadmap targets 100 GWe, with PHWRs forming the backbone.
    5. Transition acceleration: Large-scale PHWR deployment shortens the timeline for thorium-based power.

    What Role Do Advanced PHWR Designs Play in Energy Independence?

    1. Technological evolution: Enables use of thorium in PHWRs through advanced fuel cycles.
    2. Fuel innovation: Facilitates blending of thorium with HALEU (High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium).
    3. Efficiency gains: Improves fissile breeding and fuel utilisation.
    4. Strategic benefit: Reduces reliance on fast breeder reactors alone for thorium transition.
    5. System-wide impact: Enhances safety, economic viability, and fuel security.

    How Feasible Is Rapid PHWR Capacity Expansion in India?

    1. Scale requirement: Achieving 50-75 GWe requires addition of approximately 3 GWe annually.
    2. Infrastructure implication: Construction of five to eight reactors per year.
    3. Capital intensity: Demands significant financial mobilisation for reactors, fuel cycle, and back-end facilities.
    4. Institutional expansion: Requires entry of multiple public and private players beyond existing structures.
    5. Implementation role: Positions NPCIL as technology provider, capacity builder, and programme integrator.

    What Is the Case for Imported Light-Water Reactor (LWR)-Based Nuclear Projects?

    1. Complementarity: Supplements indigenous PHWR capacity during rapid scale-up.
    2. Fuel efficiency: Higher energy output per unit of enriched fuel.
    3. Economic condition: Viability depends on cost competitiveness and fuel cycle consistency.
    4. Strategic balance: Does not replace indigenous systems but supports capacity growth.
    5. Policy approach: Prioritises futuristic technologies while leveraging imported reactors pragmatically.

    How Does Fuel Cost Comparison Strengthen the PHWR Case?

    1. LWR fuel demand: A 1,000 MWe LWR requires ~25 tonnes of enriched fuel annually at 80% PLF.
    2. Cost implication: At $1.76 million per tonne, fuel costs translate to ~₹350 crore/year (±₹80 crore).
    3. PHWR advantage: Requires lower enriched uranium input due to higher efficiency in mined uranium use.
    4. Hybrid fuel strategy: Using small amounts of enriched uranium with thorium in PHWRs reduces overall cost.
    5. Outcome: Positions PHWRs as economically superior for clean power expansion.

    Conclusion

    India’s nuclear energy pathway is entering a decisive phase where scale, fuel flexibility, and technological maturity converge. Expansion of PHWR capacity using imported uranium removes historical constraints on thorium utilisation, enabling faster production of U-233 and improving the feasibility of thorium-based reactors. Combined with advanced fuel designs and selective use of imported LWRs, this strategy strengthens India’s long-term energy independence while ensuring cost efficiency and system resilience.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2018] With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy?

    Linkage: This question tests understanding of India’s long-term energy security choices amid rising power demand and clean energy transition. The article shows how scaling up PHWRs and advancing the thorium fuel cycle addresses energy security.

  • Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary  

    Why in the News?

    The Forest Minister of Karnataka recently visited Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary amid controversy over a proposal to reduce the sanctuary boundary.

    About Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Located in Karnataka, in Shimoga (Shivamogga) district
    • Lies along the Tunga River
    • Tunga Anicut Dam situated within the sanctuary
    • Provides habitat for otters and water birds
    • Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary forms part of Shettihalli
    • Mandagadde is an island nesting site in the Tunga River

    Prelims Pointers

    • Shettihalli lies on the Tunga River
    • Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is part of it
    • Presence of displaced human settlements is a management challenge
    • Supports rich avifauna and large mammals
    • Forest types range from dry deciduous to evergreen
    [2019] Consider the following pairs: 

    Famous place :    River 

    1. Pandharpur :    Chandrabhaga 

    2. Tiruchirappalli : Cauvery 

    3. Hampi :             Malaprabha

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3