UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 14 March 2026

Solution: A

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) holds a unique position within the international legal architecture. Unlike the General Assembly, whose resolutions are generally recommendatory, the UNSC has the power to issue binding mandates. This distinction is what gives the Council its “teeth” in international diplomacy. Statement-I is correct because it accurately identifies the Council as the sole UN organ with this specific legal authority.
• Statement-II is also correct and serves as the fundamental legal basis for Statement-I. The binding nature of UNSC resolutions is derived directly from the UN Charter, which is a treaty. When nations join the United Nations, they sign onto this Charter, effectively consenting to the Council’s jurisdiction in matters of global peace and security. Therefore, Statement-II explains why the Council’s resolutions are binding—it is a result of the collective legal obligation accepted by member states.
• The Council’s functions, ranging from investigative and mediatory roles to enforcement measures like economic sanctions or military action, rely on this foundational agreement. The significance of the UNSC lies in its role as the ultimate arbiter, providing international legal legitimacy to interventions that would otherwise be considered violations of national sovereignty.

Solution: D

• Joha rice is not merely a staple grain but a “functional food” due to its rich biochemical profile. Unlike common white rice, Joha rice is a short-grain aromatic variety that possesses unique nutraceutical properties. Research has confirmed that it contains significant amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are typically associated with fish oils and are crucial for cardiovascular health. Furthermore, it is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds.
• One of its most significant health benefits is its potential anti-diabetic and cardio-protective properties. This is attributed to bioactive compounds such as oryzanol, ferulic acid, and tocotrienols. These compounds help in managing blood glucose levels and protecting the heart from oxidative stress. Since it received the Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2017, its traditional cultivation in Assam has gained international recognition.
• The rice is traditionally grown during the Sali (winter) season, primarily in Upper and Central Assam. Promoting such niche products in global markets, like the recent exports to the UK and Italy, not only helps in India’s agricultural diplomacy but also ensures premium pricing for local farmers who maintain these traditional agricultural systems.

Solution: A

• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) is the cornerstone of India’s indigenous telecom revolution. It was established in August 1984 with a specific mandate to foster self-reliance.
• Statement 1 is incorrect because C-DOT is not a statutory body under the TRAI Act; rather, it is registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It is recognized as a Public Funded Research Institution.
• Statement 2 is correct as it functions as an autonomous telecom technology centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.
• Statement 3 is incorrect because C-DOT’s core mission is the opposite of importing technology; its goal is to design and develop indigenous telecom technologies to reduce dependence on foreign vendors. Historically, C-DOT is credited with developing rural telecom exchanges that were rugged enough to survive India’s diverse climatic conditions without expensive air conditioning.
• Today, it works on cutting-edge solutions like 5G, AI-based network management (such as the ‘Fraud Pro’ solution), and IoT. By using a technology transfer model, C-DOT empowers domestic manufacturers, thereby creating a robust local ecosystem for telecom infrastructure and supporting national programmes like Digital India and BharatNet.

Solution: C

• C-DOT remains a pillar of India’s technological sovereignty.
• Statement 1 is correct as C-DOT recently received global recognition at the Mobile World Congress 2026 for its AI-driven solution, ‘Fraud Pro’, which helps in detecting telecom-related frauds.
• Statement 2 is incorrect because C-DOT is not a PPP; it is an autonomous R&D organization under the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. It is a 100% government-funded society.
• Statement 3 is correct; historically, C-DOT’s greatest achievement was the design of digital switching systems specifically for rural India, which could operate without air conditioning and handled the power fluctuations common in villages.
• Statement 4 is correct as C-DOT continues to lead national digital programmes, contributing to BharatNet (rural broadband), 5G development, and cybersecurity. Its technology transfer model is unique because it doesn’t just build technology but shares the blueprints with Indian manufacturers, thus creating a self-reliant manufacturing ecosystem. This reduces the outflow of foreign exchange and ensures that India’s critical communication infrastructure is built on trusted, indigenous foundations.

Solution: C

• The classification of uranium enrichment is vital for understanding nuclear power and non-proliferation.
• Statement (c) is correct and defines the technical difference. Natural uranium contains only about 0.7% of the fissile isotope U-235. For most commercial power reactors today, this is enriched to less than 5%, which is known as Low Enriched Uranium (LEU).
• HALEU (High Assay Low Enriched Uranium) is a “sweet spot” in enrichment. It is enriched to between 5% and 20%. This higher concentration allows for smaller reactor designs, longer core lives, and higher efficiency (burn-up). Any enrichment above 20% is considered Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU), which is strictly regulated because it can potentially be used to develop nuclear weapons.
• HALEU is the primary driver in the HALEU-Thorium (or ANEEL) fuel being considered for India’s PHWRs. In this mix, the HALEU provides the initial “spark” or neutrons needed to sustain a chain reaction, which eventually converts the non-fissile Thorium-232 into fissile U-233. This process allows for better thorium utilization—a key goal for India, which holds some of the world’s largest thorium deposits. However, the commercial availability of HALEU is currently limited and expensive.

Solution: A

• The Durand Line (I) is the international land boundary between Afghanistan and Pakistan (B). It was established in 1893 and remains one of the world’s most sensitive and disputed borders due to its ethnic and historical complexities.
• The Strait of Hormuz (II) is a maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman (A). It is situated between Iran and Oman and is vital for the global transit of oil and liquefied natural gas.
• The Hudson River (III) is a major waterway located in New York State (C). It originates in the Adirondack Mountains and flows into the Atlantic Ocean at New York City.
• The Durand Line and the Strait of Hormuz are “flashpoints” where regional conflicts can have global security and economic repercussions, while the Hudson River represents a critical piece of North American economic infrastructure.

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct; the Governor appoints the Chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission (SPSC), although they can only be removed by the President.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. Under Article 161, the Governor’s pardoning power is limited to offenses against State laws. They do not have the power to pardon offenses against Central laws or death sentences (except for suspension, remission, or commutation).
• Statement 3 is correct; Article 213 empowers the Governor to promulgate ordinances when the assembly is in recess, provided the circumstances require immediate action.
• Statement 4 is also correct; while the President formally appoints High Court judges, the Governor is consulted as part of the process. Additionally, the Governor has significant discretionary powers, such as the selection of a Chief Minister in a hung assembly or recommending the imposition of President’s Rule (Article 356).
• All executive actions of the state government are formally taken in the name of the Governor. This multi-dimensional role makes the Governor both a constitutional head and a representative of the Union.

Solution: B

• The thematic pillar ‘Repairing the Commons’ is centered on the concept of “Global Commons”—resources and spaces that no single nation owns, such as the high seas, atmosphere, and cyberspace.
• The specific sub-theme for 2026 is “New Groups, New Guardians, New Avenues.” This reflects a move toward reforming global governance structures that are often seen as outdated or stalled. It explores how new international groupings (like the Quad or BRICS+) and non-state actors can act as “guardians” of these shared resources.
• In contrast, ‘Trade in the Time of Tariffs’ (c) focuses on economic reinvention, and ‘Contested Frontiers’ (d) would be more relevant to military discussions.
• The focus on “Repairing” suggests an acknowledgement that the current multilateral system is fractured and requires innovative avenues for cooperation. This pillar is essential for India’s advocacy for “Effective Multilateralism,” where global institutions are made more inclusive and representative of the Global South.
• By hosting these discussions, the Raisina Dialogue seeks to shape the narrative on how humanity manages its collective challenges in an era of increasing fragmentation.

Solution: D

• The THAAD system is designed for maximum flexibility and comprehensive protection.
• Statement 1 is correct because THAAD is truck-mounted, which makes it highly mobile. This allows the U.S. and its allies to rapidly deploy the system to various global flashpoints, such as West Asia or the Korean Peninsula, in response to emerging threats.
• Statement 2 is correct as it is an endo- and exo-atmospheric interceptor. This means it can hit missiles while they are still high in space or as they re-enter the atmosphere, bridging the gap between low-altitude and high-altitude defense.
• Statement 3 is correct because THAAD is designed for interoperability. It can “talk” to and integrate with the Patriot (PAC-3) and Aegis systems. This integration creates a seamless, multi-layered “defensive web,” where different systems cover different altitudes and ranges, ensuring that an incoming missile has a very low probability of reaching its target. Such synergy is a cornerstone of modern integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) strategies.

Solution: B

• The Kamalondo Depression and Lake Upemba are core components of the Upemba National Park, which is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Specifically, they are situated in the southeastern provinces of the country, including Haut-Lomami and Lualaba.
• The Kamalondo Depression is a vast wetland area characterized by over 80 interconnected lakes, with Lake Upemba being the largest. This region is ecologically vital because it supports a high degree of fish endemism and serves as a major habitat for diverse bird species and aquatic life.
• Geographically, it is part of the upper Congo River basin, and the depression itself is a structural feature of the African Rift system’s western branches. The preservation of these wetlands is a primary goal of the national park, as they regulate water flow and support the livelihoods of local communities while acting as a sanctuary for wildlife in one of Africa’s most biodiverse yet politically unstable regions.