UPSC Daily Current Affairs Quiz : 21 March 2026

Correct Answer: (b) 

Explanation: The passage states that Iran “insisted it would deny its enemies their security and that it was still building missiles.” This ideological and strategic position is reinforced by the country’s new Supreme Leader, who said Iran’s enemies need to have their “security” taken away. The missile production is framed as a direct response to enemy threats rather than the other listed objectives.

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Explanation:

• Kuwait: Two waves of Iranian drones attacked the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery.
• Saudi Arabia: Drones were intercepted targeting its oil-rich Eastern Province.
• Bahrain: A warehouse was set ablaze after shrapnel from an intercepted projectile landed on it.
• Israel: The passage states that “Iran fired on Israel” and later mentions incoming Iranian missiles warning in Jerusalem.

Correct Answer: (b) 

Explanation: The passage clearly states that Kashmir has been “replicating the unique designs that are associated with Iranian cities” and that “Kashmir’s famed carpets are named after cities across Iran.” This historical influence, dating back to the Mughal period when Iranian traders facilitated skill transfer, is the foundation of the connection. The other options are not supported by the text.

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The passage quotes an artisan saying, “It’s painful to see the names of Iranian cities we relate to through our craft being destroyed,” showing a personal and emotional impact.
• Statement 2 is correct: Saleem Beg is quoted stating that Srinagar’s designation as a World Craft City had raised expectations of knowledge exchange with 14 Iranian craft cities, but “the war has also cast a shadow on that too.”
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The passage does not mention any immediate decline in demand or disruption of trade routes. The impact discussed is emotional, cultural, and related to future collaborations, not immediate trade disruptions.

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The passage notes that retired CAPF officials have opposed the Bill stating that “the government is discriminating against cadre officers who won the case after 10 years of litigation.”
• Statement 2 is correct: The text explains that due to absence of senior-level posts, officers face career stagnation, and “it takes an officer who joins as an Assistant Commandant in CAPFs, at least 15-18 years for her/his first promotion,” despite leading operations from the front.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The passage does not state that the Bill reduces the number of senior-level posts. Rather, the grievance is about how existing posts are allocated between IPS officers and CAPF cadre officers.