Current Affairs Quiz 21 March 2026

Q1.  With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), consider the following statements:

1. It provides health coverage of ₹5 lakh per individual per year.
2. It covers both secondary and tertiary hospitalisation across public and empanelled private hospitals.
3. It is implemented by the National Health Authority.

How many of the above statements are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None

Q1. (B)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Incorrect: Coverage is ₹5 lakh per family per year, not per individual → common UPSC trap.
• Statement 2 – Correct: Scheme covers secondary and tertiary care through public + empanelled private hospitals, ensuring wider access.
• Statement 3 – Correct: Implemented by National Health Authority (NHA), the apex body for Ayushman Bharat.

Q2.With reference to the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), consider the following statements:

1. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and commonly found in the wild.
2. It is a semi-aquatic herbivore known for territorial behaviour in water bodies.
3. It is among the deadliest large mammals globally in terms of human fatalities.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. (A)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Incorrect: Hippos are native to Sub-Saharan Africa; in India they exist only in captivity (zoos/safaris).
• Statement 2 – Correct: Semi-aquatic species exhibiting high territorial aggression, especially in water.
• Statement 3 – Correct: Responsible for ~500 human deaths annually (IUCN/WWF estimates) → among most dangerous megafauna.

Q3.Consider the following statements regarding the CAPF (General Administration) Bill, 2026:

1. It proposes statutory reservation of certain senior CAPF posts for IPS officers on deputation.
2. It completely eliminates IPS deputation in CAPFs up to Inspector General (IG) rank.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q3. (A)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: Bill codifies IPS deputation at senior levels (IG, ADG, DG), converting executive practice into law.
• Statement 2 – Incorrect: Opposite is true → Bill institutionalises IPS dominance, overriding SC directive to reduce deputation.

Q4.

Assertion (A): VRR operations are effective in addressing structural liquidity deficits in the banking system.
Reason (R): VRR operations are typically of short tenor such as 3-day or 7-day auctions.

A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. A is incorrect but R is correct
D. A is correct but R is incorrect

Q4. (C)

Explanation:

• Assertion – Incorrect: VRR deals with short-term (transient) liquidity mismatches, not structural deficits.
• Reason – Correct: Short tenor (3-day, 7-day) confirms its temporary nature.

Q5.With reference to octane number, consider the following statements:

1. It measures the energy content of fuel.
2. It indicates the resistance of fuel to knocking during combustion.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q5. (B)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Incorrect: Octane number does not measure calorific value (energy content); it reflects combustion stability.
• Statement 2 – Correct: Measures anti-knocking property, critical for high-compression engines.

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