15 March 2026, Questions & Answers

Explanation

NavIC is India's indigenous regional satellite navigation system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The article explicitly mentions ISRO officials reporting on the satellite failure.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: US President Trump stated he chose not to target oil infrastructure, and officials said only military targets were hit. Statement 2 is correct: the article states 'At least four indigenous navigation satellites must be fully operational for the NavIC system to provide navigation services'. Statement 3 is correct: Ambedkar suggested the Code could apply initially to those who declare they are prepared to be bound by it.

Explanation

The article states: 'With 90% of India's LPG imports coming from West Asia, the Strait of Hormuz effectively sees the movement of around 54% of India's LPG consumption.' The 90% figure is for imports, but the question asks about total consumption transit.

Explanation

The MEA spokesperson stated: 'Some members of the BRICS are directly involved in the current situation in the West Asia region, which has impacted forging a consensus on a common BRICS position.' The article names Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as involved members.

Explanation

The Supreme Court explicitly declared that the right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution extends to encompass the right to die with dignity for a patient with an irreversible medical condition.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Court rejected the simplistic 'act versus omission' test and provided a nuanced distinction based on the 'source of harm'. Statement 3 is correct as the Court explicitly called the term 'passive euthanasia' obsolete.

Explanation

The article clearly states that Harish Rana had been in a vegetative state for nearly 13 years following a fall, which was a key factor in the Court's decision.

Explanation

The Court clarified that the 'best interests' test does not ask if it is in the patient's best interest to die. Instead, it asks whether continuing life support through artificial means (like Clinically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration) artificially serves their best interest, considering both medical and non-medical factors.

Explanation

The Uniform Civil Code is mentioned in Article 44, which falls under Part IV of the Constitution dealing with Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs). DPSPs are guidelines for the state and are not enforceable by courts.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as Ambedkar proposed a voluntary initial application to allay fears. Statement 2 is incorrect as he argued the opposite, citing historical variations like the Shariat Act of 1937. Statement 3 is correct as per the article, where he said the Code could apply initially to those who declare they are bound by it.

Explanation

The article explicitly mentions that on November 23, 1948, Constituent Assembly member Mohammad Ismail Khan proposed an amendment to add a proviso safeguarding personal laws, which was opposed by Ambedkar. December 2, 1948, is when Kazi Syed Karimuddin raised the issue again.

Explanation

As per the article, Ambedkar had a 'conciliatory approach' to 'allay fears' that the Code would be immediately imposed. He stated it was a Directive Principle, not an enforced law, and a voluntary start would make its application 'purely voluntary' initially.

Explanation

The article mentions the Petroleum Ministry sharing data on LPG bookings. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the nodal ministry for policies related to petroleum, natural gas, and LPG in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states India's import dependency for crude oil is over 88%, while for LPG it is around 60%. Statement 2 is correct as 90% of LPG imports come via Hormuz, compared to 40% for crude. Statement 3 is incorrect; the government's priority order lists PNG for households in the top category (100% supply), while fertilizer units are in the second category (70% supply).

Explanation

The article explicitly states: "with the chokepoint all but closed, as much as 54% of India’s LPG supply has simply disappeared." 90% is the proportion of imports via Hormuz, 60% is the overall import dependency, and 40% is the domestic production share.

Explanation

The core analysis in the article highlights that while crude oil import dependency is higher (88%), only 40% of those imports come via the Strait of Hormuz. For LPG, a whopping 90% of imports come via this chokepoint, making the supply disruption far more severe. The article mentions India has stockpiles for crude but does not state this as the primary reason for the differential stress.

Explanation

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas aimed at providing LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line households. The article references Petroleum Ministry data, confirming this linkage.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article states 'All LPG is to be supplied exclusively to IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL' which are public sector OMCs. Statement 2 is incorrect: The order increased production by 25%, not 50%. Statement 3 is incorrect: Fertilizer manufacturers get 70% of their needs, not 100%.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'In 2024-25, Indian refineries produced 12.8 million metric tonnes of LPG, just 41% of the annual consumption of 31.3 million tonnes.' 52% is the figure for domestic natural gas production share, and 62% was the LPG coverage in 2016.

Explanation

The article describes the ECA as 'a crucial emergency tool for now' that 'allows the Centre to direct refiners to boost domestic LPG production, prioritise household consumption, and regulate the allocation of natural gas.' The other options are long-term goals or extreme measures not mentioned.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the strait links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. This is a key geographical fact about one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions around a fifth of global oil supplies pass through it. Statement 2 is incorrect; while Trump mentioned the UK was 'finally giving serious thought' to sending carriers, the UK spokesperson only said they were 'discussing options', and there was no agreement. Statement 3 is correct as the article states attacks followed US-Israel strikes on Iran.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that roughly 20 million barrels are transported through the channel each day. This is a precise data point crucial for understanding the strait's economic significance.

Explanation

The article's core focus is on securing the free flow of oil through this critical chokepoint. Trump's statement explicitly mentions the goal is 'to keep the strait open and safe'. Disruption has already pushed up oil prices, highlighting the economic imperative.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the PPAC falls under the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It is the nodal agency for data on the petroleum and gas sector.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per PPAC data cited. Statement 2 is incorrect; the share of LPG in refinery output decreased from 5.2% to 4.2%. Statement 3 is incorrect; PMUY primarily targets rural households, with 80% of its beneficiaries being rural as of end-2024.

Explanation

The article states that as much as 60% of India's LPG supply comes from outside the country. 40% is LPG's share in total petroleum product imports by volume. 53% is its share in the monetary value of petroleum product imports. 90% is the share of imports sourced via the Strait of Hormuz.

Explanation

The article explicitly lists measures including ordering a 25% increase in domestic production and widening the gap between cylinder bookings. It does not mention increasing subsidies, launching a new pipeline, or a commercial ban.

Explanation

The article clearly states that the Dharma Swatantrya Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Maharashtra state Assembly by Minister Pankaj Bhoyar.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the Bill expressly allows police to initiate action on their own. Statement 2 is correct as 'brainwashing through education' is listed among unlawful means. Statement 3 is incorrect; the Bill sets the threshold at Sub-Inspector, not DySP.

Explanation

The article specifies that investigations would be conducted by a police officer not below the rank of sub-inspector. This is a lower threshold than in some other states' laws.

Explanation

The article highlights that while Uttar Pradesh's law expanded who can complain, the Maharashtra draft goes further by expressly allowing police to take suo motu action. This is a significant procedural expansion of state power.

Explanation

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the central recruiting agency in India, mandated by the Constitution under Part XIV. It conducts the Civil Services Examination, which includes the Preliminary exam featuring the CSAT paper.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article's definition of Logical Reasoning. Statement 2 is the exact definition of Analytical Ability provided in the article. Statement 3 is a fundamental fact about CSAT (Paper-II): it is a qualifying paper requiring 33% marks, and only the marks of GS Paper-I are used for rank determination.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 is scheduled for May 24'. This is a crucial date for aspirants to note for their preparation timeline.

Explanation

The article directly states: 'Analytical Ability becomes even more important, later, as it would help you as a true-blue IAS officer in maintaining protocols of organizing events and meetings.' The example given is analyzing seating arrangements for diplomats, which is a practical application of this skill.

Explanation

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) of 2015 was agreed between Iran and the P5+1 nations—the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (US, UK, France, Russia, China) plus Germany—along with the European Union. This is a key static fact related to international treaties and non-proliferation efforts.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states Iran turned the operation 'into a destabilising regional war' by declaring American assets as targets. Statement 2 is incorrect; the article explicitly says 'the Abraham Accord... is now off the table' and that Saudi Arabia no longer supports Israel's radical approach. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions this international consensus 'has deterred Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon program and agreeing to the 2015 JCPOA agreement'.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions, 'With the Saudi Arabia-Iran rapprochement underway since 2023...'. This is a precise factual detail concerning a major recent diplomatic development in the Middle East, crucial for understanding the shifting alliances discussed in the analysis.

Explanation

The article concludes that 'Saudis and other Gulf states have started a search for an alternative security architecture.' It details Gulf frustration with being used as a 'shield for Israeli security' and their defensive posture, indicating a move away from the US-Israel led model envisioned by the now-shelved Abraham Accords.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Mizo rebels attacked positions of the Assam Rifles. It also mentions that volunteers for the armed struggle included ex-servicemen or dismissed personnel from the Assam Regiment battalions. The Assam Rifles is a paramilitary force central to security in India's northeastern region.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The article clearly states the MNF launched 'Operation Jericho'. Statement 2 is incorrect: The article clarifies that while a reconnaissance-cum-supply aircraft with Manekshaw was fired upon and received bullet hits, it was not shot down. Statement 3 is correct: The article mentions the two IAF squadrons and their aircraft types. Hence, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

The article states that March 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the Mizo rebellion and that the use of air power took place in March 1966. It mentions missions beginning on March 5 and details actions through March. The other options are distractors based on other significant years in Indian history.

Explanation

The article states that air power was authorized 'only when ground troops, led by 8 Sikh, found it impossible to dislodge rebels from their entrenched positions around Aizawl.' Lt Gen Mathew Thomas is also quoted saying they had to bring in the Air Force to strafe rebel positions to push into Aizawl. The other options are not supported by the article's text.

Explanation

Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs, including habeas corpus, for the enforcement of fundamental rights and for any other purpose. Article 32 gives this power specifically to the Supreme Court. The Delhi High Court acted under Article 226 in this case.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions the court ordered preservation of CCTV footage from Dyal Singh College and Jahangirpuri. Statement 2 is incorrect because the BNSS mandates production within 24 hours, not 48 hours (this is the examiner's trap). Statement 3 is correct as the article lists BSCEM members among the detainees.

Explanation

The article states: 'the court ordered the police to trace his whereabouts by Monday'. Since the hearing was on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the following Monday is March 16, 2026.

Explanation

As stated in the article, the court ordered preservation 'To prevent the potential tampering of evidence'. This is a standard judicial measure to maintain the integrity of evidence, especially in cases alleging procedural illegalities by state authorities.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the permanent constitutional body established under Article 324. It is vested with the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'A total of 17.4 crore voters are eligible to vote in elections to five assemblies with 824 constituencies.' Statement 2 is correct: 'The counting of votes will be held on May 4.' Statement 3 is incorrect as the article clearly states: 'Assam was left out of the national exercise [SIR] as the National Register of Citizens in the state was yet to be published.'

Explanation

The article states: 'Addressing a press conference... Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the elections will cover 17.4 crore electors across 824 constituencies at 2.18 lakh polling stations.' The number '2.19 lakh' is also mentioned later, but '2.18 lakh' is the primary figure given.

Explanation

The article states: 'As per the EC data, the SIR exercise has led to the reduction of number of voters by 18.98 across Bihar, West Bengal...' This indicates a cleanup of the electoral rolls, removing ineligible or duplicate entries. It was not conducted in Assam, and there is no mention of an increase in voters or online voting.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that a writ petition was filed before the Supreme Court, and a bench led by CJI Surya Kant heard the challenge. The Uttarakhand High Court is mentioned only in the context of a separate challenge to the state's UCC provisions on live-in relationships.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article clarifies the Act 'was not imposed on Muslims'; it was demanded by religious organizations to replace customs denying women Quranic shares. Statement 2 is correct as per the article's historical context. Statement 3 is incorrect; the petition argues inheritance belongs to 'muamalat' (civil transactions), not 'ibadat'.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'A widow receives one-eighth if there are children, and one-fourth if there are none.' This is a fixed share under the faraid system codified by the 1937 Act.

Explanation

The article details that the petition argues the Uttarakhand UCC (2024) breaks the 'uniformity' of the 1937 Act, making it a civil statute subject to equality tests. It claims the Act now treats two Muslim women differently based solely on their 'postal code', constituting arbitrary discrimination under Articles 14 and 15.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India, a permanent constitutional body, is established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. This article vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the ECI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as elections are announced for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry (a UT). Statement 2 is correct as per the article: 'The counting of votes for all 824 seats... will be held on May 4.' Statement 3 is incorrect; the MCC comes into immediate effect upon the announcement of the schedule, not after polling.

Explanation

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated: 'A total of 17.4 crore voters are eligible to vote in elections to five assemblies with 824 constituencies.' This is a direct data point from the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states: 'With the announcement of the schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in the poll-bound State and Union Territory.' This is a standard procedure to ensure a level playing field during elections.

Explanation

The Election Commission of India (ECI), established under Article 324 of the Constitution, is the supreme autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes, including announcing schedules, for both Parliament and State Legislatures.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states polls will be in a single phase on April 9, 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect; it swaps the numbers. The article clearly states 9 seats are reserved for SCs and 19 for STs. Statement 3 is correct as per the notification details provided in the article.

Explanation

The article explicitly states 'As many as 31,486 polling stations in the north-eastern State have been set up for the conduct of the Assembly polls.' The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The announcement of the election schedule by the ECI is a formal trigger for the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to come into force. The MCC is a set of guidelines to ensure free and fair elections by regulating the conduct of parties and candidates, making option A correct. Other options are not directly linked to the schedule announcement.

Explanation

As per the article, the EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas invited the minister to interact with the Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council Meeting. The High Representative chairs the Foreign Affairs Council.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article states it is the first high-level visit after the FTA was firmed up. Statement 2 is incorrect; the FTA was sealed after the 16th India-EU Summit, not the 15th. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions the sides are expected to deliberate on dealing with the Iran-U.S. conflict's consequences, especially on energy flow.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was firmed up by the two sides in January. The other options are close distractors based on the timeline of the visit.

Explanation

The article's statement from the Ministry says the visit is 'expected to further deepen India's strategic partnership with the European Union.' The other options are not supported by the article's content.

Explanation

The article explicitly states the committee comprises in-service and retired bureaucrats associated with the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Geological Survey of India (GSI), and Survey of India. ISRO, CSIR, NDMA, CWC, NITI Aayog, or the Ministry of Rural Development are not mentioned in the context of this committee.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect. The article states the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) proposed the names, which were then endorsed by the MoEFCC. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Supreme Court, on December 29, stalled all mining activities (not just unlawful ones). Statement 3 is correct as per the article, which mentions the need to resolve ambiguities including the 100m elevation criteria.

Explanation

The article specifically mentions that the Supreme Court remarked on the need to resolve ambiguities, 'including whether the criteria of 100-metre elevation and the 500-metre gap between hills would strip a significant portion of the range of environmental protection.' Therefore, the gap criteria is 500 metres.

Explanation

The article's title and content repeatedly state that the committee has been 'tasked to come up with a uniform definition for the Aravalli hills and ranges.' This definition is the core mandate to resolve legal ambiguities. While surveying, rehabilitation, and afforestation may be related outcomes, they are not the stated primary objective of this committee.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2026 was released by NITI Aayog. NITI Aayog is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, responsible for fostering cooperative federalism.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect as the article mentions this is the second edition of the FHI. Statement 2 is correct; the 2nd edition covers 18 general category states plus 10 NE/Himalayan states, totaling 28. Statement 3 is correct; the five pillars are quality of expenditure, revenue mobilisation, fiscal prudence, debt index, and debt sustainability.

Explanation

The article clearly states that 'Odisha remains the top performer' among the states assessed. Goa and Jharkhand were also in the top 'Achiever' group, but Odisha is specified as the top performer.

Explanation

The article states that the inclusion of these 10 states brings focus to 'fiscal patterns shaped by geographic remoteness, demographic characteristics, and higher service delivery costs.' They are also ranked separately, acknowledging their distinct fiscal context rather than just increasing the sample size.

Explanation

Articles 315 to 323 in Part XIV of the Constitution deal with the Union Public Service Commission and the State Public Service Commissions. This is a fundamental static GK fact about the constitutional basis of the UPSC.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions Socrates' observation on rhetoric vs. reason. Statement 2 is correct as it references Eric Berne's 'ego states' (Parent, Adult, Child) theory. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article strongly defends the Ethics paper, comparing its necessity to teaching law despite crimes occurring.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that two candidates named Akanksha Singh claimed to have secured Rank 301. Rank 440 is mentioned as a separate false claim by a different candidate from Bihar. The examiner uses close distractors from the same article.

Explanation

The article emphasizes that the Ethics paper aims to make aspirants reflect on the values essential for a future officer. It argues that ethical foundations must be built during preparation, as values like integrity are expected from aspirants, not just serving officers.

Explanation

Article 324 of the Indian Constitution vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President in the Election Commission. This is the source of its plenary powers, as mentioned in the article regarding the appointment of Central Observers.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as the article mentions Assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Statement 2 is correct as the article states Tamil Nadu Assembly has 234 seats. Statement 3 is incorrect as the article clearly states Central Observers were appointed under Article 324 (not Article 327) of the Constitution and Section 20B of the RP Act, 1951. This is a typical trap of confusing constitutional articles.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that Puducherry will hold elections for all 30 constituencies of the 16th Puducherry Legislative Assembly. The other options are close distractors.

Explanation

The article states that the ECI appointed Central Observers to assist the Commission in the conduct of free and fair polls and to oversee the efficient management of the electoral process. This is a core function derived from the ECI's constitutional mandate under Article 324.

Explanation

The Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ) is a sector skill council established by the Government of India. Sector Skill Councils are industry-led bodies that fall under the umbrella of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), which is under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

Explanation

Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the article, which cites a study projecting 48 million jobs and $4.1 trillion in investments by 2047. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article explicitly attributes the study to the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), not NITI Aayog or ILO. This is a classic examiner trap swapping the institution.

Explanation

The article explicitly states, "India’s green economy could create 48 million full-time equivalent jobs by 2047." The other options are plausible distractors but are not the figure mentioned in the source material.

Explanation

The article's core thesis is that green jobs "will not emerge fast enough if young Indians only queue for roles in established firms" and that "the most resilient careers will sit at the intersection of climate literacy and entrepreneurship." It emphasizes innovation and venture creation across disciplines, not just technical roles or government jobs.

Explanation

The article explicitly states that 'On March 12, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) launched a Section 301 probe'. The USTR is the lead agency for U.S. trade policy and negotiations.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because the probe covers 60 economies, not just China, though China is expected to face particular scrutiny. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article clearly states that India's exports could face investigation if they use inputs from China suspected of being made with forced labor.

Explanation

The article states: 'Xinjiang produces about 20% of the world's cotton'. This is a key data point highlighting the region's significance in global supply chains and the potential scale of the issue.

Explanation

The article explains that India could face investigations because its export sectors (solar, electronics, garments) depend on imported inputs from China. If these inputs are suspected of being made with forced labor, the final Indian products exported to the U.S. could be investigated. This is the core 'supply chain' risk highlighted.