UPSC Daily Current Affairs Quiz : 23 March 2026

Correct answer: (c) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. The Iranian military's operational command stated: "If the U.S.'s threats regarding Iran's power plants are carried out... the strait will be completely closed."
• Statement 2 is correct. The text mentions Iran would strike "Israel's power plants, energy, and ICT infrastructure", along with power plants in regional countries hosting U.S. bases.
• Statement 3 is incorrect. The report states traffic is at a "near-standstill" with about *"5% of its pre-war volume"*, but not fully closed.Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Correct answer: (b)

Explanation:

• (a) is incorrect. The text states President Trump threatened to "obliterate" Iran's power plants, not nuclear facilities.
• (b) is correct. The passage clearly states: "Iran's Parliament is mulling imposing tolls on shipping through the strait."
• (c) is incorrect. The text notes that "Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait are crowded along the shoreline of the Gulf with no other coastline," making them more vulnerable.
• (d) is incorrect. Reza Pahlavi actually "called on Mr. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure," arguing it belongs to the Iranian people. Thus, only option (b) is correct.

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The vessel carried Urals crude, a major Russian crude oil blend.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: It was initially bound for China, not India; later diverted to India.
• Statement 3 is correct: It anchored at SPM off Tannirbhavi coast for unloading.

Answer: (b) 

Explanation:

• SPM is an offshore facility used mainly for handling large crude oil tankers.
• It avoids port congestion and allows Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) to unload safely.
• It is not limited to LPG nor an inland storage system. 

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: CCS is the apex body for national security decisions.
• Statement 2 is correct: It is chaired by the Prime Minister.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The CJI is not a member; members typically include key ministers like Defence, Home, External Affairs, and Finance.