UPSC Current Affairs Quiz — 26 August 2026

1.

With reference to the vessel Ajit, consider the following statements:

1.It is a Fast Patrol Vessel built by Goa Shipyard Limited.

2.It has already been commissioned into active service.

3.It forms part of an eight-vessel project contracted in March 2022.

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: Goa Shipyard delivers Indian Coast Guard Ship Ajit Open full article →

2.

A controllable-pitch propeller improves a vessel's handling because it can:

operate without any connection to the engine change the angle of its blades while rotating fold away completely when the ship is at anchor generate electricity instead of thrust

From: Goa Shipyard delivers Indian Coast Guard Ship Ajit Open full article →

3.

With reference to the Indian Coast Guard, consider the following statements:

1.It is an armed force of the Union.

2.Its central duties are defined by the Coast Guard Act, 1978.

3.Marine pollution control falls outside its responsibilities.

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: Goa Shipyard delivers Indian Coast Guard Ship Ajit Open full article →

4.

With reference to the Exclusive Economic Zone under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, consider the following statements:

1.It may extend up to 200 nautical miles from coastal baselines.

2.The coastal state has sovereign rights over natural resources within it.

3.Other states lose the freedom of navigation through it.

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: Goa Shipyard delivers Indian Coast Guard Ship Ajit Open full article →

5.

Why does a stated indigenous content of more than 65 per cent not fully describe a warship's self-reliance?

The figure is calculated only after a vessel is decommissioned Indigenous content is measured by the crew's nationality It does not reveal which high-value systems remain imported Any vessel above 300 tonnes is treated as fully imported

From: Goa Shipyard delivers Indian Coast Guard Ship Ajit Open full article →

6.

With reference to the PRAGATI platform, consider the following statements:

1.PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.

2.It combines project monitoring, programme review and public-grievance follow-up.

3.It operates through three levels covering the Prime Minister's Office, Union ministries and state governments.

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: The Prime Minister chairs the 53rd PRAGATI meeting Open full article →

7.

How does geospatial information assist the review of a delayed infrastructure project?

It removes the legal need for land acquisition It automatically transfers funds to the executing agency It replaces environmental assessment for linear projects It shows land parcels, alignments and nearby infrastructure to locate the bottleneck

From: The Prime Minister chairs the 53rd PRAGATI meeting Open full article →

8.

AgriStack, reviewed at the meeting, is best described as:

a minimum support price announced for foodgrains a digital public infrastructure effort for agriculture a chain of government-run warehouses a subsidy paid directly for farm machinery

From: The Prime Minister chairs the 53rd PRAGATI meeting Open full article →

9.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: A cumulative figure for projects fast-tracked through PRAGATI does not by itself measure the platform's benefit.

Statement-II: Such a figure records the value of projects reviewed, while benefit requires comparison of delays, costs and outcomes.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

From: The Prime Minister chairs the 53rd PRAGATI meeting Open full article →

10.

With reference to the geography of Morocco, consider the following statements:

1.The Strait of Gibraltar separates its northern coast from southern Spain.

2.Algeria shares its eastern land border.

3.Jebel Toubkal in its interior is North Africa's highest peak.

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: India and Morocco deepen economic cooperation Open full article →

11.

Which mineral resource forms the most direct link between Morocco's economy and India's farm-input security?

Bauxite Chromite Phosphates Manganese

From: India and Morocco deepen economic cooperation Open full article →

12.

With reference to the seventh India-Morocco Joint Commission, consider the following statements:

1.Both sides agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade within five years.

2.A joint working group will examine a possible preferential trade agreement.

3.A final preferential trade agreement was signed at the meeting.

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: India and Morocco deepen economic cooperation Open full article →

13.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India signed an understanding with Morocco's counterpart body. Such regulatory cooperation is valuable mainly because it:

removes the need for safety checks on individual shipments transfers Indian food standards directly into Moroccan law guarantees that trade between the two countries will double reduces avoidable barriers through information exchange and capacity building

From: India and Morocco deepen economic cooperation Open full article →

14.

With reference to Western Sahara, consider the following statements:

1.Morocco administers most of the territory and claims sovereignty over it.

2.The United Nations continues to list it as a Non-Self-Governing Territory.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: India and Morocco deepen economic cooperation Open full article →

15.

With reference to dementia and Alzheimer's disease, consider the following statements:

1.Dementia is a syndrome rather than a single disease.

2.Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

3.Vascular disease and Lewy body disorders can also cause dementia.

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: Indian researchers develop a smartphone-linked Alzheimer's research platform Open full article →

16.

In medicine, a biomarker is best described as:

a drug that reverses an existing disease a measurable sign of a biological process a written record of a patient's symptoms a genetic mutation that always causes illness

From: Indian researchers develop a smartphone-linked Alzheimer's research platform Open full article →

17.

Why does a positive amyloid test not by itself explain a person's memory problem?

Amyloid is never found in the human body Amyloid can be measured only after death Some people have amyloid deposits without clear symptoms Memory loss has no biological basis

From: Indian researchers develop a smartphone-linked Alzheimer's research platform Open full article →

18.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The TZ-48 and ADxFluor work should not be described as a hospital-ready diagnostic kit.

Statement-II: The results come from laboratory work and mouse models, so human validation and regulatory review are still required.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

From: Indian researchers develop a smartphone-linked Alzheimer's research platform Open full article →

19.

With reference to the National Shipping Board, consider the following statements:

1.It is a statutory advisory body.

2.Its present legal basis is the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.

3.It exercises executive power to purchase vessels for India.

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: National Shipping Board proposes a five-part fleet roadmap Open full article →

20.

With reference to the composition of the National Shipping Board under the 2025 Act, consider the following statements:

1.It includes six Members of Parliament, four from the Lok Sabha and two from the Rajya Sabha.

2.Shipowner and seafarer representation must remain equal.

3.At least four appointed members must be women.

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: National Shipping Board proposes a five-part fleet roadmap Open full article →

21.

The Right of First Refusal for Indian shipping operators means that they:

receive a guaranteed share of every cargo regardless of price are exempt from all taxes on international voyages can refuse to carry cargo without giving reasons get an opportunity to match a competing foreign offer

From: National Shipping Board proposes a five-part fleet roadmap Open full article →

22.

The figure of about US$75 billion cited at the forum refers to India's:

government subsidy for domestic shipbuilding annual freight payments to foreign shipping lines total value of merchandise exports by sea spending on port construction in one year

From: National Shipping Board proposes a five-part fleet roadmap Open full article →

23.

Why does owning more Indian-flagged vessels not by itself guarantee supply-chain resilience?

Indian-flagged ships cannot sail beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone Foreign charter contracts are illegal for Indian owners Ships still need fuel, crews, insurance and open routes to operate A national fleet removes the need for port infrastructure

From: National Shipping Board proposes a five-part fleet roadmap Open full article →

24.

With reference to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, consider the following statements:

1.The Security Council established it through Resolution 1996 in July 2011.

2.Its work now gives major attention to civilian protection.

3.It operates under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

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: India condemns the deadly attack on United Nations peacekeepers in South Sudan Open full article →

25.

With reference to South Sudan, consider the following statements:

1.It is landlocked and borders Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.

2.The White Nile crosses it and forms the Sudd wetland.

3.It has a coastline on the Red Sea.

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: India condemns the deadly attack on United Nations peacekeepers in South Sudan Open full article →

26.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 2589, referred to by India, mainly concerns:

the creation of a permanent United Nations standing army financial contributions of member states to peacekeeping the withdrawal of all missions from Africa accountability for crimes committed against peacekeepers

From: India condemns the deadly attack on United Nations peacekeepers in South Sudan Open full article →

27.

Why does South Sudan's physical geography complicate peacekeeping operations?

Permanent snow cover blocks movement for most of the year Seasonal floods, limited roads and vast distances slow response The country is too small for patrols to be organised Dense urban settlement prevents any road travel

From: India condemns the deadly attack on United Nations peacekeepers in South Sudan Open full article →

28.

With reference to the Garbhini Mitra Course, consider the following statements:

1.The All India Institute of Ayurveda is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Ayush.

2.The course qualifies a graduate to work as an independent midwife.

3.It is a six-month offline programme with a batch of twenty seats.

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: All India Institute of Ayurveda introduces the Garbhini Mitra Course Open full article →

29.

In the Ayurvedic concepts included in the syllabus, Sutika Paricharya refers to care:

before conception during the first trimester after childbirth of the newborn's siblings

From: All India Institute of Ayurveda introduces the Garbhini Mitra Course Open full article →

30.

Why is infection control included alongside wellness guidance in such a course?

It replaces the need for supervision by qualified staff It allows workers to prescribe antibiotics when needed It is required before a candidate can appear for Class 12 Poor hygiene can undo the value of any wellness guidance

From: All India Institute of Ayurveda introduces the Garbhini Mitra Course Open full article →

31.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: A Garbhini Mitra should not be presented as a substitute for antenatal care.

Statement-II: Routine check-ups, diagnostic tests and management of complications require qualified clinicians and equipped facilities.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

From: All India Institute of Ayurveda introduces the Garbhini Mitra Course Open full article →

32.

With reference to Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, consider the following statements:

1.It lies in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala.

2.It forms the catchment of a reservoir on the Karamana River.

3.It lies in the northern Western Ghats near the Maharashtra border.

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: Monsoon survey records 124 bird species at Peppara Open full article →

33.

The great hornbill, recorded during the survey, is the state bird of:

Karnataka Kerala Tamil Nadu Goa

From: Monsoon survey records 124 bird species at Peppara Open full article →

34.

Why were fewer species recorded in the monsoon count than in the December and March counts?

Resident species leave the Western Ghats during the monsoon The sanctuary is closed to all surveyors during the monsoon Fewer migratory birds are present, and rain and dense vegetation reduce detection Birds stop breeding entirely during the rainy season

From: Monsoon survey records 124 bird species at Peppara Open full article →

35.

Why is a record of occupied nests more useful to managers than a simple species checklist?

It proves the total population size of the species It identifies habitat that needs protection during a sensitive season It removes the need for any further survey work It establishes the global conservation status of the species

From: Monsoon survey records 124 bird species at Peppara Open full article →

36.

With reference to lithium, consider the following statements:

1.It is an alkali metal and the lightest of all metals.

2.It occurs in nature as free metal in large deposits.

3.It is found in hard-rock minerals such as spodumene and in continental brines.

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: Lithium carbonate prices highlight a volatile battery market Open full article →

37.

The countries usually described as forming the 'Lithium Triangle' are:

Australia, China and Brazil Bolivia, Argentina and Chile Canada, Mali and Zimbabwe Peru, Ecuador and Colombia

From: Lithium carbonate prices highlight a volatile battery market Open full article →

38.

Why can a near-term surplus of lithium and long-term supply concern exist at the same time?

Battery demand has permanently stopped growing New supply arriving during slower demand growth can cut prices and later delay investment Lithium cannot be stored for more than a few weeks Refining capacity is evenly spread across all continents

From: Lithium carbonate prices highlight a volatile battery market Open full article →

39.

With reference to India's efforts on lithium, consider the following statements:

1.The National Critical Mineral Mission supports domestic exploration, overseas assets and recycling.

2.Khanij Bidesh India Limited holds exploration rights over brine blocks in Argentina.

3.An auctioned mineral block is equivalent to a producing mine.

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: Lithium carbonate prices highlight a volatile battery market Open full article →

40.

Why does a fall in lithium carbonate prices not immediately reduce battery cell prices by the same proportion?

Cell prices are fixed annually by international agreement Cathode materials, manufacturing, utilisation and competition also shape cell costs Lithium is not used in battery cells at all Cell makers are required to raise prices when input costs fall

From: Lithium carbonate prices highlight a volatile battery market Open full article →