UPSC Current Affairs Quiz — 30 September 2026

1.

Consider the following statements about glacial landforms:

1.Glacial till is unsorted debris, and moraines are long ridges built of it.

2.Outwash laid down by meltwater streams is unsorted and angular, like till.

3.Tarn lakes fill basins built by glacial deposition at the snout of a glacier.

4.The long axes of drumlins lie parallel to the direction of ice movement.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 4 only

From: Vasundhara Lake: Uttarakhand's First Glacial Lake Warning System Open full article →

2.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Glacial lakes held back by moraines can drain suddenly, producing glacial lake outburst floods.

Statement-II: A moraine barrier is made of loose, uneven debris that seepage or the melting of buried ice can weaken.

Statement-III: An ice or rock avalanche falling into such a lake can raise a wave that overtops and erodes the moraine.

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

Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct and both of them explain Statement-I Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct, but only one of them explains Statement-I Only one of Statement-II and Statement-III is correct and that is the explanation of Statement-I Neither Statement-II nor Statement-III is correct

From: Vasundhara Lake: Uttarakhand's First Glacial Lake Warning System Open full article →

3.

Match List I with List II:

List I (Confluence)

A. Vishnuprayag

B. Karnaprayag

C. Rudraprayag

D. Devprayag

List II (River that joins the Alaknanda there)

1.Mandakini

2.Bhagirathi

3.Dhauliganga

4.Pindar

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2 A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3 A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2 A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2

From: Vasundhara Lake: Uttarakhand's First Glacial Lake Warning System Open full article →

4.

With reference to disaster early warning, consider the following statements:

1.India's Sachet alert portal is run by the India Meteorological Department.

2.Sachet relays area-specific alerts from several alerting agencies and state disaster authorities.

3.United Nations guidance lists four linked elements: risk knowledge, monitoring, warning communication and preparedness.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Vasundhara Lake: Uttarakhand's First Glacial Lake Warning System Open full article →

5.

Satellite images show that the surface area of a high-altitude glacial lake has grown. Which one of the following is most needed to estimate the volume of water the lake now holds?

Its depth profile from a bathymetric survey A longer series of satellite images of its surface area The temperature of its surface water Its altitude above sea level

From: Vasundhara Lake: Uttarakhand's First Glacial Lake Warning System Open full article →

6.

Consider the following statements:

1.The Izu-Bonin arc lies where the Pacific plate descends beneath the Philippine Sea plate.

2.The Andes rise where the oceanic Nazca plate descends beneath the South American plate.

3.Iceland lies where the North American and Eurasian plates converge.

4.The San Andreas fault zone in California is a transform plate boundary.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 2 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

From: Fukutoku-Okanoba: Coast Guard Sees Darker Water on 17 September Open full article →

7.

Consider the following statements about ocean trenches:

1.They form where plates move apart and new oceanic crust is created.

2.Volcanic island arcs generally run parallel to them.

3.They are the deepest parts of the ocean floor.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Fukutoku-Okanoba: Coast Guard Sees Darker Water on 17 September Open full article →

8.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Shield volcanoes, such as those of Hawaii, are generally characterised by low explosivity.

Statement-II: A shield volcano can become explosive if water gets into its vent.

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 not correct Statement-I is not correct, but Statement-II is correct

From: Fukutoku-Okanoba: Coast Guard Sees Darker Water on 17 September Open full article →

9.

Consider the following statements about submarine eruptions:

1.At great depth, water pressure can prevent the explosive release of steam and gases.

2.Seawater entering a shallow active vent quenches the magma and halts explosions.

3.Lava that cools very rapidly in seawater can shatter into sand and rubble.

4.The extent of discoloured water above a vent directly measures the magma below.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 3 only 1, 3 and 4 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1 and 3 only

From: Fukutoku-Okanoba: Coast Guard Sees Darker Water on 17 September Open full article →

10.

Consider the following statements about the products of shallow submarine eruptions:

1.Pumice can float because it is full of cavities left by escaping volcanic gases.

2.When an island built by such an eruption is washed away, the volcano beneath has become extinct.

3.Floating pumice can clog the engine cooling systems of small boats.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Fukutoku-Okanoba: Coast Guard Sees Darker Water on 17 September Open full article →

11.

With reference to the Committee on Forestry (COFO) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), consider the following statements:

1.It is the highest intergovernmental forestry body of the FAO and meets every two years.

2.Regional forestry commissions bring region-specific concerns into its work.

3.Its decisions directly govern how member countries manage the forests within their borders.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Committee on Forestry: India Restates 26 Million Hectare Target Open full article →

12.

With reference to the Forest Survey of India (FSI), consider the following statements:

1.Forest cover includes only land recorded as forest in government records.

2.Orchards, bamboo and palm can be counted within forest cover.

3.Forest cover is classed as very dense, moderately dense or open by canopy density.

4.Tree cover means tree patches smaller than one hectare outside the forest area.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 3 only 2 and 4 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

From: Committee on Forestry: India Restates 26 Million Hectare Target Open full article →

13.

Consider the following statements:

1.The National Forest Policy, 1988 sets a higher forest or tree cover goal for hills than for India as a whole.

2.Germany and the International Union for Conservation of Nature launched the Bonn Challenge on land restoration.

3.The Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, 2021-2030, is led by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Committee on Forestry: India Restates 26 Million Hectare Target Open full article →

14.

Which one of the following best describes forest and landscape restoration as promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)?

Converting every part of a degraded landscape into dense tree plantations Excluding all human use from degraded forests until natural vegetation returns Planting fast-growing trees chiefly to maximise the carbon stored per hectare Regaining ecological functions and improving human well-being across degraded landscapes

From: Committee on Forestry: India Restates 26 Million Hectare Target Open full article →

15.

With reference to the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme, consider the following statements:

1.Besides forests, it certifies the management of trees outside forests, such as farm and plantation trees.

2.Small producers can seek certification collectively through group certification.

3.A certificate under the scheme exempts a product from the legal requirements of an importing country.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: PRAMAAN: 33,000 ha of Andhra Plantations Among First Certified Open full article →

16.

Consider the following pairs:

Body - Role in the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme

1.Indian Institute of Forest Management - Operating agency of the scheme

2.National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies - Accredits the certification bodies

3.Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council - Conducts the field audits of producers

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Only one Only two All three None

From: PRAMAAN: 33,000 ha of Andhra Plantations Among First Certified Open full article →

17.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Certification under the Programme for Recognition and Accreditation of sustainable Management practices for Agroforestry And Natural forestry resources (PRAMAAN) is mandatory for all timber traded in India.

Statement-II: PRAMAAN is the brand name of the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme.

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 not correct Statement-I is not correct, but Statement-II is correct

From: PRAMAAN: 33,000 ha of Andhra Plantations Among First Certified Open full article →

18.

In forest certification, chain-of-custody certification is mainly concerned with:

Assessing how a forest is managed at the source of the timber Tracking certified material, and the claims made about it, through processing and trade Accrediting the bodies that audit forest operations Recording the transfer of forest land from the State to local communities

From: PRAMAAN: 33,000 ha of Andhra Plantations Among First Certified Open full article →

19.

With reference to geographical indication (GI) protection in India, consider the following statements:

1.It is provided under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

2.Registration is compulsory before producers can use a GI on their goods.

3.The Act covers handicrafts and manufactured goods, not only agricultural produce.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Mandar of Jharkhand: GI Tag for the State's Traditional Drum Open full article →

20.

Consider the following pairs of instruments and their class in the four-fold classification of Bharata's Natyashastra:

1.Sarangi - Tata

2.Shehnai - Sushira

3.Manjira - Avanaddha

4.Pakhawaj - Avanaddha

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Only one Only two Only three All four

From: Mandar of Jharkhand: GI Tag for the State's Traditional Drum Open full article →

21.

With reference to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), consider the following statements:

1.It requires members to provide legal means to prevent the misleading use of geographical indications.

2.Its higher level of protection under Article 23 covers geographical indications for all goods, including handicrafts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

From: Mandar of Jharkhand: GI Tag for the State's Traditional Drum Open full article →

22.

With reference to a geographical indication (GI) registered in India, consider the following statements:

1.Like a trademark, it can be assigned or licensed to another company.

2.Its registration is valid for ten years and can be renewed.

3.It bars anyone else from using the same production technique.

4.A name that is not a place name can also qualify as a GI.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 2 and 4 only 2 and 4 only

From: Mandar of Jharkhand: GI Tag for the State's Traditional Drum Open full article →

23.

Consider the following statements about geographical indication (GI) protection:

1.In India, only an individual producer, and not an association of producers, can apply to register a GI.

2.GI rights are territorial, so registration in India does not by itself protect the name abroad.

3.The registered proprietor and the authorised users of a GI can bring an infringement action.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Mandar of Jharkhand: GI Tag for the State's Traditional Drum Open full article →

24.

Consider the following statements about the naming of species:

1.A binomial name has a capitalised genus followed by a specific epithet in small letters.

2.Common names are reliable identifiers because each refers to only one plant species.

3.A newly published species name is tied to a type specimen kept for later study.

4.Once a species has been published, its classification can never be revised.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 3 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only

From: Didymocarpus nautiyalii: New Species From Arunachal's Shi-Yomi Open full article →

25.

Consider the following statements about establishing a new plant species:

1.The plant must be compared with species already described, including their preserved specimens.

2.A striking flower colour is by itself enough to establish a new species.

3.Flower structure can separate plants that look alike in their leaves.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Didymocarpus nautiyalii: New Species From Arunachal's Shi-Yomi Open full article →

26.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The describers of Didymocarpus nautiyalii proposed assessing it as Data Deficient.

Statement-II: Data on its distribution and population are too limited to assess its extinction risk reliably.

Statement-III: Data Deficient is the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) category for species facing no extinction risk.

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

Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct and both of them explain Statement-I Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct, but only one of them explains Statement-I Only one of Statement-II and Statement-III is correct and that is the explanation of Statement-I Neither Statement-II nor Statement-III is correct

From: Didymocarpus nautiyalii: New Species From Arunachal's Shi-Yomi Open full article →

27.

Didymocarpus nautiyalii, a small herb recently described from Arunachal Pradesh, grows on moist rock surfaces. A plant with this habit is called:

A lithophyte An epiphyte A parasite An insectivorous plant

From: Didymocarpus nautiyalii: New Species From Arunachal's Shi-Yomi Open full article →

28.

Consider the following statements about the International Whaling Commission (IWC) moratorium on commercial whaling:

1.It covers abundant whale stocks as well as threatened ones.

2.Norway, which lodged a formal objection to it, is not bound by it.

3.Iceland is an IWC member that holds a reservation to it.

4.It also covers aboriginal subsistence whaling by indigenous peoples.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

From: IWC70 in Hobart: India Calls for Closer Scientific Cooperation Open full article →

29.

Consider the following statements:

1.The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has designated the Indian Ocean as a sanctuary where commercial whaling is prohibited.

2.The IWC has also designated a sanctuary in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica.

3.Under the 1946 whaling convention, special-permit catches for scientific research are set by individual governments, not by the IWC.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: IWC70 in Hobart: India Calls for Closer Scientific Cooperation Open full article →

30.

Consider the following statements about cetaceans:

1.Dolphins and porpoises are cetaceans, like whales.

2.Echolocation is used chiefly by baleen whales rather than by toothed whales.

3.Baleen whales use baleen plates to sieve small prey such as krill from seawater.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: IWC70 in Hobart: India Calls for Closer Scientific Cooperation Open full article →

31.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Banning commercial hunting does not by itself remove the main threats to Arabian Sea humpback whales.

Statement-II: These whales face entanglement, coastal development and rising ship traffic in their habitat.

Statement-III: As a species, the humpback whale is rated Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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

Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct and both of them explain Statement-I Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct, but only one of them explains Statement-I Only one of Statement-II and Statement-III is correct and that is the explanation of Statement-I Neither Statement-II nor Statement-III is correct

From: IWC70 in Hobart: India Calls for Closer Scientific Cooperation Open full article →

32.

Consider the following statements:

1.The blue whale is listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

2.The Ganges river dolphin is India's National Aquatic Animal.

3.The Ganges river dolphin is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: IWC70 in Hobart: India Calls for Closer Scientific Cooperation Open full article →

33.

Consider the following statements about the galaxy frog (Melanobatrachus indicus):

1.It belongs to the family Ranidae, the true frogs.

2.It is endemic to the southern Western Ghats, with records from Keralam (formerly Kerala) and Tamil Nadu.

3.It is the only recognised species of its genus.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Galaxy Frog: Vulnerable Western Ghats Endemic Known Since 1878 Open full article →

34.

Consider the following statements:

1.The galaxy frog was first described from the Anamalai hills.

2.The Western Ghats generally decrease in height from north to south.

3.Anamudi, the highest peak of the Peninsular plateau, lies in the Anamalai hills.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Galaxy Frog: Vulnerable Western Ghats Endemic Known Since 1878 Open full article →

35.

Consider the following categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List:

1.Near Threatened

2.Vulnerable

3.Data Deficient

4.Endangered

How many of the above are 'threatened' categories?

Only one Only two Only three All four

From: Galaxy Frog: Vulnerable Western Ghats Endemic Known Since 1878 Open full article →

36.

Consider the following statements:

1.The galaxy frog is now listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, though older accounts described it as Endangered.

2.A move to a lower-threat category by itself shows that a species' habitat has recovered.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

From: Galaxy Frog: Vulnerable Western Ghats Endemic Known Since 1878 Open full article →

37.

Consider the following statements about field studies of the galaxy frog:

1.It shelters in moist microhabitats such as the undersides of decaying logs on the forest floor.

2.Overturning logs and trampling vegetation to photograph it can degrade its habitat.

3.A newly documented locality shows that the species has recently colonised that area.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Galaxy Frog: Vulnerable Western Ghats Endemic Known Since 1878 Open full article →

38.

Which one of the following countries does NOT share a land border with Italy?

Slovenia Austria Croatia San Marino

From: India-Italy Tourism: Technical Groups Agreed at 2nd Working Group Open full article →

39.

Consider the following statements about the seas around Italy:

1.The Tyrrhenian Sea lies to the west of the Italian peninsula.

2.The Strait of Sicily separates Sicily from the African continent.

3.The Po, Italy's longest river, drains into the Adriatic Sea.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: India-Italy Tourism: Technical Groups Agreed at 2nd Working Group Open full article →

40.

Consider the following statements about the physical geography of Italy:

1.The Alps form a great mountain arc along northern Italy.

2.Mont Blanc, the highest peak of the Alps, lies on the French-Italian border.

3.The Apennines run down the length of the Italian peninsula.

4.The Tiber and the Arno rise in the Alps.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

From: India-Italy Tourism: Technical Groups Agreed at 2nd Working Group Open full article →

41.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Italy's Po Valley often records high levels of air pollution, especially in winter.

Statement-II: In winter, warmer air often lies over colder air near the valley floor, suppressing vertical mixing.

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 not correct Statement-I is not correct, but Statement-II is correct

From: India-Italy Tourism: Technical Groups Agreed at 2nd Working Group Open full article →

42.

Consider the following statements about the Mediterranean type of climate:

1.It receives most of its rainfall in summer.

2.It occurs mainly on the eastern margins of continents in subtropical latitudes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

From: India-Italy Tourism: Technical Groups Agreed at 2nd Working Group Open full article →

43.

Consider the following statements about naval stealth:

1.Radar cross-section describes how strongly an object reflects radar energy back towards the radar.

2.Replacing many exposed antennas with one integrated mast can reduce a warship's radar cross-section.

3.Reducing a ship's radar cross-section also removes its infrared and acoustic signatures.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: UNICORN Mast: Japan Urges Faster Indian Processing of the Project Open full article →

44.

Consider the following statements about the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) mast:

1.It houses antennas for several jobs, such as communication and signal detection.

2.Its radome lets radio waves pass while shielding the antennas from weather and lightning.

3.It is a single radar that performs every sensing task of the ship.

4.It was first built for the Indian Navy and later adopted by Japan.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 3 only 2 and 4 only 1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 4 only

From: UNICORN Mast: Japan Urges Faster Indian Processing of the Project Open full article →

45.

With reference to India-Japan cooperation on the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) mast, consider the following statements:

1.India and Japan have signed a memorandum of implementation for its co-development.

2.The arrangement falls under the India-Japan agreement on the transfer of defence equipment and technology.

3.Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is the Indian co-developer.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: UNICORN Mast: Japan Urges Faster Indian Processing of the Project Open full article →

46.

The Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) mast includes a direction-finding function. In naval electronics, direction finding refers to:

Measuring the range of a target by timing the return of radar echoes Identifying friendly aircraft through coded interrogation and reply Fixing a ship's own position using satellite navigation signals Estimating the direction from which a received radio signal arrives

From: UNICORN Mast: Japan Urges Faster Indian Processing of the Project Open full article →