Daily Challenge
Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Daily Challenge — 14 October 2026
Three UPSC Prelims-pattern questions — one each from the GS I, GS II and GS III subject areas. Attempt all three before checking your answers.
The Universe and the Earth
How many of the following countries are crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn?
- Brazil
- Kenya
- Indonesia
- Botswana
Correct answer: B
The Tropic of Capricorn (about 23.5 degrees S) crosses Brazil and Botswana, along with Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar and Australia. Kenya and Indonesia lie on or near the Equator, far north of the Tropic of Capricorn. So only two.India and its Neighbourhood
Consider the following pairs of Indian operations and the country concerned:
- Operation Cactus - Maldives
- Operation Neer - Maldives
- Indian Peace Keeping Force - Sri Lanka.
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Correct answer: D
Operation Cactus (1988) reversed a coup attempt in the Maldives; Operation Neer (2014) flew drinking water to Male after a desalination plant fire; the IPKF served in Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990 under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord. All three pairs are correct.Internal Security Challenges
Consider the following statements:
- Police is a subject in the State List.
- Public order is a subject in the State List.
- Deployment of armed forces of the Union in aid of the civil power is a subject in the Concurrent List.
- Article 355 casts a duty on the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Correct answer: C
Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. Police and public order are in the State List, and Article 355 imposes the duty of protection on the Union. Statement 3 is wrong: deployment of Union armed forces in aid of the civil power is Entry 2A of the Union List, inserted by the 42nd Amendment, not the Concurrent List.