UPSC Daily Quiz 19 March 2026

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare informed the Lok Sabha that India is the world’s largest producer of coconuts contributing to 30.37% of the Global coconut production.

• Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a large palm of the family Arecaceae.
• It grows in the subtropical coastal regions of Asia (India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia) and Oceania.
• It was originated in Southeast Asia, and was transported throughout the Pacific either by migrating Indonesians and Polynesians.
• Required Climatic Conditions for Coconut
  • Rainfall: 1000-3000 mm per year. Prefers evenly distributed rainfall
  • Temperature: Optimum 27°C with a diurnal variation of 6-7 0C Cold spells are more limiting than high temperatures. Light- Coconut palm requires maximum sunlight.
  • Altitude: Up to 600 m above mean sea level.
    • If temperature remains favourable, the palm grows well up to an altitude of 800 m.
  • Humidity: Needs warm and humid conditions
  • Soils: It is particularly adapted to the coastal light sandy and sandy loam type soils. Coconuts also thrive well in laterite soils.
• Distribution in India:It is majorly grown in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, and West Bengal.
• Uses: Coconuts are used as whole fruits or, conversely, by their parts: mesocarp fibers, milk, kernel (or flesh), husk.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2241416&reg=3&lang=1#:~:text

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, Kaveh Madani has been named the 2026 recipient of the Stockholm Water Prize.

• It is regarded as the world’s most prestigious award for water-related work.
• It has been presented annually since 1991.
• It is awarded by the Stockholm Water Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
• Eligibility for Stockholm Water Prize:
  • The Prize is awarded to a person or organization who contributes to the conservation and protection of water resources, and to the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
  • Everyone who has made extraordinary water-related achievements is eligible.
• The prize is presented by M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, who is the official patron of the prize, at the awarding ceremony during World Water Week in August.
• Nomination: Anyone can submit a nomination for the Stockholm Water Prize, however, self-nominations or nominations by persons with direct professional or family ties to the candidate are not permitted.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/water/from-water-terrorist-to-water-laureate-irans-eco-warrior-in-exile-kaveh-madani-wins-2026-stockholm-water-prize

Answer: b

Explanation:

 Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved Minimum Support Price (MSP) funding to the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for the cotton season 2023–24.

• It was established on 31st July 1970.
• It is a Public Sector Undertaking under the Companies Act 1956.
• Nodal Ministry: It works under the administrative control of Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
• Function:
  • The major role of the CCI is to undertake price support operations, whenever the market prices of kapas fall below the minimum support prices (MSP) announced by Govt. of India, without any quantitative limit.
  • Besides MSP operations, to fulfil the raw material requirement of the domestic textile industry particularly for lean season, CCI undertakes commercial purchase operations.
• It is having PAN India presence through headquarters at Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra), 19 branches in all major cotton growing States.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2241788&reg=6&lang=1

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, union cabinet approved the ‘Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31’. 

• It supports the installation of small hydro projects (1-25 MW capacity each) with a total capacity 1,500 MW across the country.
• Its special focus is on hilly and North-Eastern states that hold high untapped potential.
• Time Period: FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31’
• Key Features of Small Hydro Power Development Scheme
  • North East & Border Incentives:Higher central financial assistance (CFA) of ₹3.6 crore per MW (or 30% of cost, capped at ₹30 crore per project) for North Eastern states and international border districts.
  • General State Support:CFA of ₹2.4 crore per MW (or 20% of cost, capped at ₹20 crore per project) for other states.
  • DPR Pipeline:Allocation of ₹30 crore to support government agencies in preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for about 200 future projects.
  • Employment Generation:Expected to create 51 lakh person-days of employment during construction, plus long-term roles in operations and maintenance.
  • Indigenous Sourcing:Mandates 100% sourcing of plant and machinery from domestic manufacturers to boost the local industrial base.
• The initiative emphasises environment-friendly “run-of-the-river” technology that generates power directly from the natural flow of rivers without large dams, minimising displacement, deforestation and ecological disruption.
• Significance: SHP projects are environmentally sustainable, as they avoid large-scale land acquisition, deforestation, and displacement of communities.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2241799&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR commenced.

• Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar is a maritime security cooperation initiative in the Southwest Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• It is the second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative.
• It is designed as a unique operational engagement programme that enables naval personnel from Friendly Foreign Countries to train and sail together onboard an Indian Naval Ship.
• Participating members: This Edition includes participation from 16 nations of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) of the Indian Ocean Region(IOR).
• The initiative reflects the Government of India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and framework of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions.
• Activities
  • It involves professional training interactions at Indian Naval training establishments in Kochi.
  • This phase will be followed by deployment onboard an Indian Naval Ship, where international participants will sail together with Indian Navy personnel and take part in operational activities at sea.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2241628&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently, the Meghalaya State Government has extended the term of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) for a period of six months.

• The Autonomous District Councils being autonomous bodies under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
• The Sixth Schedule of the Indian constitution provides a list of ten tribal areas in Assam (3), Meghalaya (3), Tripura (1) and Mizoram (3).
  • Each of these tribal areas constitutes an autonomous district. Each autonomous district has an Autonomous District Council (ADC).
• Membership of Autonomous District Council
  • They have up to 30 members with a term of five years.
  • Out of 30, four are nominated by the governor and the remaining 26 are elected on the basis of adult franchise.
  • Tenure of Autonomous District Council: Five years from the date of their constitution. 
• Functions of Autonomous District Council:
  • They makes laws on land, management of forests, except reserved forests, appointment of traditional chiefs and headmen, 
  • They make rules regulating the inheritance of property, marriage, divorce, the constitution of village courts, 
  • It can establish, construct or manage primary schools, dispensaries, markets, ferries, fisheries, roads and so on in the district.
  • It can also make regulations for the control of money lending and trading by non-tribals. But such regulations require the assent of the governor.
• Revenue source of Autonomous District Council:
  • Taxes on professions, trades, callings and employment; taxes on animals, vehicles and boats;
  • Taxes on the entry of goods into a market and sale therein, and tolls on passenger and goods carried on ferries; and taxes for the maintenance of school, dispensaries or roads.

Hence only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

News: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/meghalaya-govt-extends-garo-hills-autonomous-district-council-term-by-six-months/

Answer: b

Explanation:

 Recently, India has launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of ethyl chloroformate from China after domestic producer alleged that the chemical was being sold in the Indian market at unfairly low prices.

• It is a colorless to yellowish liquid with a pungent odor.
• Properties of Ethyl Chlorofomate
  • It hydrolyses in the presence of water.
  • It is very toxic by inhalation and corrosive to metals and tissue.
  • Its vapors are heavier than air.
  • It is highly flammable and emits fumes containing HCl on contact with moist air.
  • It decomposes exothermically.
  • It is slightly soluble in water; soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and ether.
  • It should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area in tightly closed containers away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials.
• Uses:
  • It was used in the synthesis of nitrile oxides.
  • It is used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other specialty chemicals.
• Health Impact: Prolonged exposure to low concentrations or short exposure to high concentrations may have adverse health effects from inhalation.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

News: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/india-opens-anti-dumping-probe-into-ethyl-chloroformate-imports-from-china/articleshow/129653683.cms

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, an Indian wolf named Geeta at Pilikula Biological Park gave birth to seven pups.

• It is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf found in the Indian subcontinent and Southwest Asia.
• Habitat: It prefers scrublands, semi-arid grasslands, and pastoral agro-ecosystems.
• Behavior: Indian wolves generally live in smaller packs rarely exceeding 6-8 individuals.
• They are also relatively less vocal and have rarely been known to howl and are territorial and hunt during the night.
• Appearance: Intermediate in size between the Tibetan and Arabian wolves, but lacks a thick winter coat due to adaptation to warmer climates.
• Distribution: Indian wolves are found in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Israel, Turkey, Iran, and Syria.
• Threats: It faces a steady decline driven by habitat loss, shrinking prey base, and human persecution.
• Conservation Status of Indian Wolf
  • IUCN: Vulnerable 
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/indian-wolf-at-pilikula-zoo-gives-birth-to-seven-pups/article70758783.ece

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently,  a high-level bilateral meeting between the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, and the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, was convened.

• Location: It is located in the eastern portion of mainland Southeast Asia.
• Bordering Countries: It is bordered by China to the north, and Cambodia and Laos to the west.
• Maritime Boundaries: It shares a border with South China Sea (East and South), Gulf of Thailand (Southwest). 
• It is roughly S-shaped, running for a distance of about 1,650 km in the north-to-south directions.
• Capital City:
• Geographical Features of Vietnam
  • Terrain: It is a country of tropical lowlands, rolling green hills, and densely forested mountains. 
  • Major Rivers: Red River and Mekong River both drain into the South China Sea.
  • Major Mountain: Vietnam’s principal physiographic features are the Annamese Cordillera which extends generally from northwest to southeast in central Vietnam.
  • Highest Point: Vietnam’s highest point is Phan Xi Pang whose summit reaches 3,144 m
  • Climate: It is located in the tropical zone. Its climate is characterized by high temperature and humidity all year round.
  • Natural Resources: It is mainly abundant in antimony, phosphates, coal, manganese, rare earth elements, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil and gas deposits.

Hence only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2242130&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the union Cabinet has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA).

• It aims to develop world-class industrial infrastructure, unlocking manufacturing potential and driving India’s growth story.
• Target: Developing 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across the country.
• Implementation: BHAVYA will be implemented in partnership with states and private sector players.
• Features of Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna
  • Financial Scale:Total expenditure of ₹33,660 crore, providing up to ₹1 crore per acre for park development.
  • Plug-and-Play Ecosystem:Provides ready-built factory sheds, testing labs, and underground utilities to enable industries to move from “intent to production” with speed.
  • Infrastructure Scope:Covers core utilities, value-added facilities (warehousing), and social infrastructure such as worker housing.
  • Connectivity & Logistics:Aligned with PM GatiShakti principles for seamless multimodal connectivity; external infrastructure support is provided up to 25% of the project cost.
  • Sustainability Focus:Features green energy integration and a “no-dig” environment through integrated underground utility corridors for uninterrupted operations.
  • Selection Process:Projects are selected via a challenge mode, prioritizing states that implement investor-friendly reforms and effective single-window systems.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2241785&reg=3&lang=1