Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002 : Statement-I : One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm × 400 mm. Statement-II : The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3 : 2. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• Statement-II is correct: the Flag Code of India, 2002 prescribes that the National Flag shall be rectangular with a length-to-height ratio of 3:2.

• Statement-I is incorrect: the Code lists nine standard sizes — 6300×4200, 3600×2400, 2700×1800, 1800×1200, 1350×900, 900×600, 450×300, 225×150 and 150×100 mm; 600×400 mm is not among them, even though it has the right proportions.

• The Code was amended in 2021 to permit polyester and machine-made flags and in 2022 to allow display day and night.

• Hence Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct, option (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation…: Statement-I is wrong: 600 x 400 mm is not a listed standard size.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct…: Statement-I is wrong, so both cannot be correct.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect: It is Statement-I that is wrong and Statement-II that is right.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.