UPSC Current Affairs Quiz — 20 August 2026

1.

With reference to melanism in leopards, consider the following statements:

1.A melanistic leopard is commonly called a black panther and belongs to a species different from the common leopard.

2.Melanism in leopards results from an unusually high production of the pigment melanin.

3.The rosette pattern of a melanistic leopard can still be visible under suitable light.

Select the answer using the code given below:

1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3

From: A melanistic leopard cub is seen near Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary Open full article →

2.

With reference to the plant Impatiens nimspurjae, consider the following statements:

1.It is a balsam belonging to the family Balsaminaceae.

2.It is known from the mountains of western Nepal.

3.It is named after a well-known Nepalese mountaineer.

Select the answer using the code given below:

1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3

From: Impatiens nimspurjae returns to attention in the Himalaya Open full article →

3.

With reference to Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), consider the following statements:

1.It is an autonomous body launched on 31 October, which is observed as National Unity Day.

2.It functions under the Ministry of Education.

3.Its main platform serves young people aged 15 to 29 years.

Select the answer using the code given below:

1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3

From: Friends of MY Bharat seeks a global network of Indian-origin youth Open full article →

4.

With reference to foraminifera, consider the following statements:

1.They are single-celled organisms found mainly in aquatic environments.

2.Their remains in seabed deposits help scientists reconstruct past climates.

3.All foraminifera build shells with several chambers.

Select the answer using the code given below:

1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 1 and 2 only

From: Two tiny sand-eaters deepen knowledge of India's marine life Open full article →

5.

With reference to Dimna Lake, recently in the news, consider the following statements:

1.It is a natural glacial lake in the Eastern Himalaya.

2.It lies near Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, close to the foothills of the Dalma range.

3.It was created by building a dam across the Subarnarekha river.

Select the answer using the code given below:

2 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3

From: Dimna Lake becomes a Red Fort symbol of water conservation Open full article →

6.

The 'sea lice' that attack farmed salmon are best described as:

A type of marine insect Larvae of jellyfish Parasitic marine worms Parasitic copepods, which are small crustaceans

From: Feed-delivered nanoantibodies are being tested against salmon lice Open full article →

7.

With reference to the National Medical Commission (NMC), consider the following statements:

1.It is a statutory body created under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.

2.It replaced the Medical Council of India.

3.It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Select the answer using the code given below:

1, 2 and 3 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only

From: A draft proposes one national identity number for every doctor Open full article →

8.

With reference to the herbicide glyphosate, consider the following statements:

1.It is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide absorbed mainly through green leaves.

2.It works by blocking an enzyme needed by plants to make certain amino acids.

3.It is selective and harms only grasses while sparing all other plants.

Select the answer using the code given below:

1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3

From: Alleged glyphosate use raises concern over Himachal's forest land Open full article →

9.

The proposed Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project, sometimes in the news, is planned on which river?

Jhelum Ravi Chenab Beas

From: District officials review preparations for the Sawalkote project Open full article →

10.

With reference to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), consider the following statements:

1.It is India's apex anti-smuggling agency.

2.It works under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs in the Ministry of Finance.

3.It deals only with narcotics and has no role in commercial fraud cases.

Select the answer using the code given below:

1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3

From: Methamphetamine hidden in maize is seized at Nhava Sheva Port Open full article →