UPSC Current Affairs Quiz : 27 March 2026

Solution: A

1. Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is located in Tamil Nadu and forms part of a critical biodiversity hotspot. It is well known for its montane forests and core tiger habitat, supporting apex predators like tigers along with diverse endemic flora and fauna. Hence, it matches with ii (Tamil Nadu) and 1 (core tiger habitat and montane forest).
2. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary lies in Kerala and is characterised by moist deciduous forests. It plays an important ecological role as an elephant corridor, facilitating the movement of elephants between forest patches and maintaining genetic connectivity. Thus, it matches with iii (Kerala) and 3 (elephant corridor and moist deciduous zone).
3. Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Tamil Nadu and was established primarily to conserve the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel, a rare small mammal species. Therefore, it corresponds to i (Tamil Nadu) and 2 (endangered small mammal conservation).

Solution: A

• The Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum, established by the Ottawa Declaration in 1996. It promotes cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the eight Arctic states and Indigenous communities. Its decisions are non-binding and based on consensus, meaning unanimity is required among members.
• The Council is not a treaty-based body like the Antarctic Treaty System; thus, it cannot enforce laws or impose sanctions.
• Its mandate includes sustainable development, environmental protection, and promotion of indigenous rights, but it deliberately excludes military security issues from its agenda.
• Unlike the Antarctic region, the Arctic lacks a comprehensive legal governance regime, making the Council a diplomatic forum rather than a regulatory body.
• Its effectiveness has recently been tested, especially after the Ukraine conflict, which reduced cooperation with Russia, one of its key members.

Solution: B

Only Statement 3 is correct.

• Statement 1 is incorrect because “Extinct (EX)” means there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died, based on exhaustive surveys.
• Statement 2 is also incorrect. Least Concern (LC) species are those with stable or increasing populations, and while some may be protected, that is not a criterion for LC status.
• “Not Evaluated (NE)” simply means the species has not yet been assessed under IUCN’s global framework. This is different from DD (Data Deficient), where an evaluation has taken place, but data is lacking.

Solution: C

Statement 4 is incorrect.

• The tiger is India’s National Animal, symbolizing strength and biodiversity. It is protected under Appendix I of CITES, which prohibits international trade of wild tigers or their derivatives.
• As per the latest All India Tiger Estimation, Madhya Pradesh has surpassed Karnataka to host the maximum number of tigers. Statement 4 is incorrect.
• The Global Tiger Initiative (GTI) was launched by the World Bank in 2008, not the UNDP, to coordinate tiger conservation across Asia.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect.

• Tariffs are paid at the border by importers, which are often businesses. These businesses may absorb the cost, pass it on to consumers, or adjust supply chains. Thus, businesses are directly affected.
• Statement 2 is correct. Anti-dumping duties are imposed when foreign producers sell goods below market value (sometimes below cost) to gain market share. This undermines domestic industries, and the tariffs restore fair competition.
• Statement 3 is also correct. A specific tariff is a flat fee charged per quantity (e.g., $5 per kilogram), making it independent of the product’s value.

Solution: A

Statement 1 is incorrect.

• The Global Tiger Forum is an independent intergovernmental body, not created under any international treaty like the CBD. It facilitates collaboration among tiger-range countries.
• Statement 2 is correct. M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) is a smart patrolling and ecological monitoring software developed by NTCA for improved management.
• Statement 3 is also correct. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was constituted by amending the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in 2006, giving statutory backing to Project Tiger.

Solution: A

Statements 1 and 2 are correct.

• The First Buddhist Council (483 BCE) was held at Rajgir under Mahakassapa, where Ananda and Upali recited the Buddha’s teachings, forming the Sutta and Vinaya Pitakas.
• The Fourth Council, convened by Kanishka in Kashmir (1st–2nd century CE), saw the schism between Theravada and Mahayana, with Mahayana emphasizing Bodhisattvas and universal salvation.
• Statement 3 is incorrect—the Second Council at Vaishali (~383 BCE) dealt with monastic discipline, not doctrinal developments like Bodhisattvas.

Solution: C

• The IUCN defines “Extinct in the Wild” (EW) as a category for species that are known to survive only in captivity, cultivation, or well outside their historical natural range.
• These species have disappeared from their natural ecosystems, often due to habitat loss, overexploitation, or invasive species.
• Unlike extinction (EX), EW species still exist but only in controlled conditions, such as zoos or botanical gardens.
• For instance, the Scimitar-horned oryx is EW but lives in breeding programs.

Solution: C

• Statement I is correct – GI registration helps protect the reputation and uniqueness of traditional products rooted in geography and community heritage. It helps preserve artisanal identity, local knowledge, and traditional practices.
• Statement II is incorrect – A GI-tagged product must be produced within the registered geographic territory; otherwise, the label cannot legally be used. For example, Darjeeling Tea must come from designated estates in Darjeeling. Therefore, option c) is the right answer.

Solution: B

• Ashoka’s missionary effort was pivotal: his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra spread Buddhism to Sri Lanka, while emissaries went to Greece, Egypt, and Southeast Asia.
• Vajrayana Buddhism, which emerged in 8th-century Bengal and Bihar, blended esoteric rituals (mantras, mandalas) with Mahayana concepts like compassion and the Bodhisattva path.
• Statement 1 is incorrect—Nalanda was founded during the Gupta period, not Ashoka’s reign.
• Statement 2 is incorrect—it describes Theravada, while Mahayana focuses on universal salvation.

Origins of Buddhism in India:

• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (563–483 BCE): Born in Lumbini (Nepal), attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, and preached the Four Noble Truths & Eightfold Path.
• Reaction to Vedic Ritualism: Rejected caste hierarchy and Brahminical rituals, emphasizing individual enlightenment.
• Early Patronage: Magadha rulers (Bimbisara, Ajatashatru) supported Buddhism as an alternative to Brahmanism.
• First Buddhist Council (483 BCE): Held at Rajgir to preserve Buddha’s teachings after his death.
• Ashoka’s Role (3rd Century BCE): Spread Buddhism across India and beyond through edicts and missionaries.

Evolution & Development of Buddhism

• Theravada vs. Mahayana: Theravada (original teachings) vs. Mahayana (universal salvation, Bodhisattva ideal).
• Monastic Universities: Nalanda, Vikramshila, Taxila became global centers of Buddhist learning.
• Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism): Emerged in Bengal & Bihar, blending esoteric rituals with Mahayana philosophy.
• Spread Beyond India: Sri Lanka (Ashoka’s son Mahendra), China (via Silk Road), Southeast Asia.
• Art & Architecture: Sanchi Stupa, Ajanta Caves, Gandhara Art reflect Buddhist influence.