UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 26 March 2026

Solution: A

Hypersonic missiles are exceptionally difficult to intercept due to their combination of mid-flight maneuverability and extremely high speeds (exceeding Mach 5). Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, which follow a predictable trajectory, hypersonic missiles can alter their path mid-flight, making it nearly impossible for missile defense systems to predict their exact course. This capability enables them to evade radar tracking and intercept attempts.

Solution: B

Statement 1: Incorrect. The Oriental Pied Hornbill is not the largest hornbill species in Asia; it is, in fact, the smallest and one of the most common hornbill species found in the region. Larger species like the Great Hornbill hold the title for size.

Statement 2: Correct. The Oriental Pied Hornbill is highly adaptable and thrives in various environments across its range, including forests, plantations, and even human-altered landscapes.

Statement 3: Correct. Known as a ‘forest engineer,’ it plays a crucial ecological role by dispersing seeds over large areas, aiding in forest regeneration and biodiversity conservation.

Statement 4: Correct. Its primary habitat includes subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, although its adaptability allows it to survive in secondary forests and other habitats as well.

Solution: B

Statement 1: Incorrect. While the Union government has the power to borrow under Article 292, this borrowing must be secured against the Consolidated Fund of India. Hence, the Union does not have unrestricted borrowing powers.

Statement 2: Correct. Under Article 293(3), a State government can borrow within Indian territory. However, if the State owes outstanding loans to the Union government, it must seek the Centre’s consent before borrowing further. This ensures fiscal discipline and avoids excessive indebtedness.

Statement 3: Correct. Both Union and State borrowing powers are subject to legislative control under Articles 292 and 293, allowing respective legislatures to enact laws that regulate borrowing limits and procedures.

Solution: A

Statement 1: Incorrect. Under Section 38V of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the state government, not the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), has the authority to notify an area as a tiger reserve. The NTCA evaluates and approves proposals submitted by the state governments but does not directly notify reserves.

Statement 2: Incorrect. The core zone of a tiger reserve, also known as the critical tiger habitat, is a strictly protected area where human habitation and activities are prohibited to ensure the safety and preservation of tigers and their ecosystems. Sustainable human activities are allowed only in the buffer zone, which surrounds the core area.

Statement 3: Correct. The process involves the state government identifying potential tiger habitats and submitting proposals to the NTCA for evaluation and approval. Once approved, the state government officially notifies the tiger reserve.

Solution: A

RAS relies on advanced filtration systems to remove waste and pathogens, ensuring water quality and controlled conditions for aquaculture, reducing the need for antibiotics.

About Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS):

What it is:
A tank-based farming system that recycles water through mechanical and biological filtration.

How it works:

• Water is filtered to remove waste and pathogens.
• Provides controlled conditions for temperature, oxygen, and water cleanliness.
• Ensures biosecurity with reduced need for antibiotics.

Solution: A

Biofuels derived from rice straw are gaining attention as sustainable energy alternatives.

1. Statement 1 is correct. Biofuels like those derived from rice straw reduce dependency on fossil fuels by utilizing renewable agricultural waste, contributing to energy security and sustainability.
2. Statement 2 is correct. Rice straw can be converted into bioethanol, a liquid biofuel used in blending with petrol, and biogas, a gaseous fuel suitable for cooking or electricity generation, making it a versatile resource for renewable energy.
3. Statement 3 is incorrect. While biofuel production from rice straw significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, it does not entirely eliminate emissions. The processes involved in production, transportation, and combustion still result in some level of emissions, though far lower than conventional fuels.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is correct as CENVAT simplifies the taxation process by allowing credit for input taxes.

Statement 2 is incorrect because CENVAT reduces costs by eliminating cascading taxes.

Statement 3 is correct as businesses save costs, which can be reinvested into production and innovation.

Significance of CENVAT:

• Avoids double taxation:Prevents repeated taxation on the same value addition.
• Simplifies taxation:Reduces the tax burden on manufacturers and service providers.
• Promotes competitiveness:Encourages businesses to reinvest savings in production and innovation.
• Consumer benefit:Reduces the overall cost of goods and services by eliminating cascading taxes.

Solution: C

The Dead Sea is fed by the Jordan River, but water levels are declining due to reduced inflow and intense evaporation.

About the Dead Sea:

• Geographical Location:A saltwater lake between Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank.
• Found at 430.5 meters below sea level—the lowest land-based elevation on Earth.
• Salinity:Contains 34.2% salinity, making it one of the saltiest water bodies globally, supporting only microorganisms and algae.
• Physical Dimensions:Covers 605 sq. km, 50 km long, and 15 km wide at its broadest.
• Hydrology:Fed by the Jordan River, with no outlet, losing water mainly through evaporation.
• Environmental Concerns:Rapidly declining water levels (~1 meter per year) due to evaporation and restricted tributary flow, impacting regional groundwater dynamics.

Solution: B

The FRBM Act, 2003, was introduced to institutionalize fiscal discipline and enhance transparency in fiscal management. It aimed to eliminate the revenue deficit and reduce the fiscal deficit, ensuring long-term macroeconomic stability, which makes Statement 1 correct.

However, the Act requires both the Centre and states to implement fiscal responsibility laws. Many states have enacted their fiscal responsibility legislation to align with the principles of the FRBM framework, making Statement 2 incorrect.

The FRBM Amendment Act, 2018, updated the framework to address changing economic realities. It introduced a specific target for the overall public debt: a combined debt-to-GDP ratio of 60%, split as 40% for the Centre and 20% for the states. This makes Statement 3 correct.

Solution: D

Statement-I is incorrect: The Arctic Council is not treaty-based and its decisions are non-binding. It is a forum for voluntary cooperation, not a regulatory body like the Antarctic Treaty System.

Statement-II is correct: The Ottawa Declaration (1996) established the Council, emphasizing peaceful collaboration, Indigenous inclusion, and environmental sustainability. It serves as a platform to address shared Arctic challenges, though without legal enforcement.