UPSC Current Affairs Quiz — 1 October 2026

1.

Consider the following statements about Swyer syndrome:

1.A person with the condition has a 46,XY chromosome pattern, but the gonads remain undeveloped streak gonads.

2.Variants in the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene, which helps start testis development, explain nearly every case.

3.It often comes to medical attention when puberty does not progress and menstruation does not begin.

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: Swyer Syndrome: Why a 46,XY Pattern Can Coexist With a Uterus Open full article →

2.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: In Swyer syndrome, a uterus and fallopian tubes usually develop despite a 46,XY chromosome pattern.

Statement-II: Without functioning testes, the fetus lacks anti-Mullerian hormone, which would make the Mullerian ducts regress.

Statement-III: Streak gonads carry a raised tumour risk, so they are usually removed surgically.

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: Swyer Syndrome: Why a 46,XY Pattern Can Coexist With a Uterus Open full article →

3.

With reference to the medical care of people with Swyer syndrome, consider the following statements:

1.Hormone therapy can start puberty and reduce the risk of low bone density, but it does not make streak gonads produce eggs.

2.Some people with the condition who have a uterus can carry a pregnancy using a donated egg or embryo.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

From: Swyer Syndrome: Why a 46,XY Pattern Can Coexist With a Uterus Open full article →

4.

Consider the following pairs:

Condition : Chromosome pattern

1.Down syndrome : an extra copy of chromosome 21

2.Turner syndrome : 47,XXY

3.Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome : 46,XY

4.Klinefelter syndrome : 45,X

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Only one Only two Only three All four

From: Swyer Syndrome: Why a 46,XY Pattern Can Coexist With a Uterus Open full article →

5.

Consider the following statements about measuring electricity generation and storage:

1.A gigawatt (GW) measures power, the rate of energy flow, while a gigawatt-hour (GWh) measures energy.

2.A battery storing 10 GWh and discharging at 2 GW can sustain that output for about five hours, before losses.

3.A battery's energy rating in GWh by itself shows the maximum power it can deliver at any instant.

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: PM-DHARA: Transmission for 135 GW of Renewables, 50 GWh Storage Open full article →

6.

Consider the following statements about the Developing Harmonized and Accelerated Renewable-energy Access scheme (PM-DHARA):

1.It funds intra-State transmission and battery storage, implemented by State Transmission Utilities.

2.Its entire outlay is to be met from central assistance.

3.New projects use tariff-based competitive bidding, while upgrades of existing assets follow a cost-plus basis.

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: PM-DHARA: Transmission for 135 GW of Renewables, 50 GWh Storage Open full article →

7.

Under the Electricity Act, 2003, which one of the following determines the tariff for the transmission of electricity within a State?

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission The Central Electricity Authority The State Transmission Utility The State Electricity Regulatory Commission

From: PM-DHARA: Transmission for 135 GW of Renewables, 50 GWh Storage Open full article →

8.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: In a solar-heavy grid, batteries return more energy in the evening than they absorb from surplus solar power around midday.

Statement-II: Solar generation peaks around midday and declines towards evening, when electricity demand often rises.

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: PM-DHARA: Transmission for 135 GW of Renewables, 50 GWh Storage Open full article →

9.

Consider the following statements about electricity transmission in India:

1.Electricity is listed in the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution.

2.A State Transmission Utility is notified by the State Government.

3.A State Transmission Utility may also trade in electricity.

4.Green Energy Corridor Phase-II is an intra-State scheme run through State Transmission Utilities.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: PM-DHARA: Transmission for 135 GW of Renewables, 50 GWh Storage Open full article →

10.

Consider the following statements about the National Coastal Mission 2.0:

1.It covers nine coastal States and four Union Territories, including Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

2.Approval of a project under the mission removes the need for statutory clearances.

3.Its components include climate-resilient development, risk reduction, adaptation and capacity building.

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: National Coastal Mission 2.0: Guidelines for Rs 767 Crore Scheme Open full article →

11.

Consider the following statements about mangroves:

1.Pneumatophores, the aerial roots of some mangroves, help supply oxygen to roots in waterlogged soil.

2.In some mangroves, seeds germinate into seedlings while still attached to the parent tree.

3.Some mangroves excrete excess salt through glands on their leaves.

4.Mangrove roots speed up tidal currents and keep sediment from settling.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one Only two Only three All four

From: National Coastal Mission 2.0: Guidelines for Rs 767 Crore Scheme Open full article →

12.

Which one of the following best describes 'marine spatial planning'?

The declaration of marine protected areas within which all fishing, shipping and other economic activity is banned A public process of allocating human activities across marine areas in space and time to meet ecological, economic and social goals The delimitation of maritime boundaries between neighbouring coastal States through bilateral agreements The satellite mapping of sea-surface temperature and currents to forecast cyclones and storm surges

From: National Coastal Mission 2.0: Guidelines for Rs 767 Crore Scheme Open full article →

13.

Consider the following statements:

1.Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications are issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

2.The CRZ Notification, 2019 lists mangroves as ecologically sensitive areas in CRZ-I A.

3.CRZ-IV A covers the sea from the low tide line to 12 nautical miles.

4.The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission coordinates the United Nations Ocean Decade (2021-2030).

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: National Coastal Mission 2.0: Guidelines for Rs 767 Crore Scheme Open full article →

14.

Consider the following statements about the classification of Union Government schemes:

1.A Central Sector Scheme is funded entirely by the Union Government.

2.Under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, costs are generally shared between the Union and the States, which implement it.

3.The National Coastal Mission 2.0 is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in which the coastal States share the cost.

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: National Coastal Mission 2.0: Guidelines for Rs 767 Crore Scheme Open full article →

15.

Consider the following statements about the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME):

1.It is a single steerable dish that is pointed at one object at a time.

2.It is located in British Columbia, Canada, and observes the sky at radio frequencies.

3.Its recent detection of distant hydrogen relied only on its own data, without cross-correlation with galaxy surveys.

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: CHIME Telescope: Hydrogen Signal Detected Using Only Its Own Data Open full article →

16.

Consider the following statements about the 21-centimetre line of hydrogen:

1.It is emitted by neutral hydrogen atoms, not by ionised hydrogen.

2.It arises when the proton and electron spins flip from parallel to antiparallel.

3.It arises when the electron drops from the second energy level to the ground state.

4.It passes through interstellar dust that blocks visible light.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: CHIME Telescope: Hydrogen Signal Detected Using Only Its Own Data Open full article →

17.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) detects, at 400-800 megahertz, hydrogen emission that left its source at about 1,420 megahertz.

Statement-II: Cosmic expansion stretches radiation to longer wavelengths and lower frequencies.

Statement-III: Earth's atmosphere absorbs all radio waves above 800 megahertz.

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: CHIME Telescope: Hydrogen Signal Detected Using Only Its Own Data Open full article →

18.

In cosmology, the term 'dark energy' refers to:

Invisible matter whose gravity holds galaxies and galaxy clusters together The microwave radiation left over from the hot early universe The energy released when hydrogen nuclei fuse into helium inside stars The unknown cause of the observed acceleration in the expansion of the universe

From: CHIME Telescope: Hydrogen Signal Detected Using Only Its Own Data Open full article →

19.

Consider the following statements about radio astronomy:

1.Radiation from when the universe was about five billion years old has travelled for roughly nine billion years.

2.India's Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) near Pune uses fully steerable parabolic dishes.

3.Hydrogen intensity mapping requires a separate, detailed image of each galaxy in the surveyed region.

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: CHIME Telescope: Hydrogen Signal Detected Using Only Its Own Data Open full article →

20.

Consider the following statements about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):

1.It was founded in 1967 through the Bangkok Declaration by five countries, one of them the Philippines.

2.It has eleven member states, Timor-Leste having been admitted in 2025.

3.India became a full member when the two sides adopted a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.

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: ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise: Second Edition Begins at Subic Bay Open full article →

21.

Consider the following statements about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus):

1.It brings together ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, India among them.

2.Maritime security is one of the areas covered by its Experts' Working Groups.

3.China and Russia are not among its eight Plus countries.

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: ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise: Second Edition Begins at Subic Bay Open full article →

22.

In the context of multinational naval exercises, 'interoperability' refers to:

A requirement that every participating navy operates identical ships, sensors and weapon systems The ability of forces from different countries to work together effectively using compatible procedures and communications The permanent merger of participating navies into one regional force under a single command An arrangement under which navies use each other's bases for refuelling, repair and resupply

From: ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise: Second Edition Begins at Subic Bay Open full article →

23.

Consider the following statements about the geography of the Philippines and its surroundings:

1.Subic Bay lies on the western coast of Luzon and opens onto the South China Sea.

2.The Philippine Sea lies to the west of the Philippine archipelago.

3.The Luzon Strait separates Luzon from Taiwan.

4.The Strait of Malacca lies between the Malay Peninsula and the island of Sumatra.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise: Second Edition Begins at Subic Bay Open full article →

24.

Consider the following statements about Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS):

1.They fire short-range surface-to-air missiles and can be carried and operated by one person or a small crew.

2.They are designed mainly to intercept ballistic missiles high in the upper atmosphere.

3.The Misagh-2 is an Iranian system of this type that uses infrared guidance.

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: Misagh-2: Iranian MANPADS Reported With Russian Units in Rostov Open full article →

25.

Consider the following statements about multilateral export control regimes:

1.The Wassenaar Arrangement covers conventional arms and dual-use goods and technologies.

2.The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is a legally binding treaty.

3.The Australia Group seeks to keep exports from aiding chemical or biological weapons programmes.

4.India is a member of all three regimes named above.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Misagh-2: Iranian MANPADS Reported With Russian Units in Rostov Open full article →

26.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Most infrared-guided Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) missiles are 'fire-and-forget' weapons.

Statement-II: After launch, the operator steers such a missile to its target by radio commands.

Statement-III: Such a missile follows a laser beam that the operator keeps pointed at the target.

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: Misagh-2: Iranian MANPADS Reported With Russian Units in Rostov Open full article →

27.

With reference to United Nations General Assembly resolution 62/40 (2007) on Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS), consider the following statements:

1.It acknowledges the legitimate right of governments to manufacture, transfer and possess such systems for national security and self-defence.

2.It calls for a complete ban on the transfer of such systems between governments.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

From: Misagh-2: Iranian MANPADS Reported With Russian Units in Rostov Open full article →

28.

Consider the following statements about the Schokari sand racer (Psammophis schokari):

1.It is a newly described species known only from the Kutch region of Gujarat.

2.Its range extends across parts of North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, including north-western India.

3.It reproduces by laying eggs.

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: Schokari Sand Racer: Kutch Sighting Renews an 1872 Record Open full article →

29.

Consider the following statements about the Schokari sand racer:

1.It is found only on bare, unvegetated sand dunes.

2.It moves about in shrubs and trees as well as on the ground.

3.Lizards form part of its prey.

4.Its colour pattern varies, with striped and unstriped forms recorded.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Schokari Sand Racer: Kutch Sighting Renews an 1872 Record Open full article →

30.

With reference to the conservation status of species, consider the following statements:

1.A species' category on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List by itself gives it legal protection in India.

2.A species assessed as Least Concern in one country can still face local threats there, such as persecution and road deaths.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

From: Schokari Sand Racer: Kutch Sighting Renews an 1872 Record Open full article →

31.

Consider the following statements about the Kachchh (Kutch) region of Gujarat:

1.Kala Dungar, the highest point of Kutch, overlooks the Great Rann.

2.The Wild Ass Sanctuary, home of the Indian wild ass, lies in the Great Rann of Kutch.

3.The Kutch Bustard Sanctuary near Naliya protects the Great Indian Bustard.

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: Schokari Sand Racer: Kutch Sighting Renews an 1872 Record Open full article →

32.

Consider the following statements about Bathymyrus perplexus, a fish described in 2026 from the Bay of Bengal:

1.It is a marine eel of the family Congridae, in the order Anguilliformes.

2.It was described from a single specimen caught off Paradip in 2021.

3.Both body features and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) evidence were used to distinguish it.

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: Bathymyrus perplexus: New Bay of Bengal Eel From 32 Specimens Open full article →

33.

Consider the following statements about naming animal species:

1.A holotype is the single specimen fixed as the name-bearing type when a species is described.

2.Paratypes are the specimens of the type series other than the holotype.

3.Animal names follow the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN).

4.In a binomial name, both the genus and the species name begin with a capital letter.

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: Bathymyrus perplexus: New Bay of Bengal Eel From 32 Specimens Open full article →

34.

Match List I with List II:

List I (Group of organisms)

A. Animals

B. Land plants

C. Fungi

D. Bacteria

List II (Genetic region widely used for identification)

1.Nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS)

2.Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene

3.16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene

4.Chloroplast rbcL and matK genes

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

From: Bathymyrus perplexus: New Bay of Bengal Eel From 32 Specimens Open full article →

35.

Consider the following statements about eels:

1.Freshwater eels of the genus Anguilla are catadromous: they grow in fresh water and migrate to the sea to spawn.

2.The electric eel of South America is a true eel of the order Anguilliformes.

3.True eels pass through a transparent, leaf-like larval stage called the leptocephalus.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one Only two All three None

From: Bathymyrus perplexus: New Bay of Bengal Eel From 32 Specimens Open full article →

36.

Consider the following statements about the Bay of Bengal:

1.Its surface salinity is lower than that of the Arabian Sea, mainly because of heavy inflow of river water.

2.The Mahanadi, Godavari and Krishna rivers drain into it.

3.The Andaman and Nicobar Islands separate it from the Andaman 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: Bathymyrus perplexus: New Bay of Bengal Eel From 32 Specimens Open full article →

37.

Consider the following statements about the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:

1.It lies in Madhya Pradesh, between the Vindhyan Range and the north-eastern flanks of the Satpura range.

2.Its forest landscape is connected with that of the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve.

3.It was declared a tiger reserve when Project Tiger was launched in 1973.

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: Bandhavgarh: Five-Day Rejuvenation Camp for 9 of 15 Elephants Open full article →

38.

Consider the following statements about tiger reserves in India:

1.A tiger reserve is notified by the State Government on the recommendation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

2.The NTCA is chaired by the Prime Minister.

3.Core or critical tiger habitats are to be kept inviolate for tiger conservation.

4.Buffer areas aim to promote co-existence between wildlife and human activity.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Bandhavgarh: Five-Day Rejuvenation Camp for 9 of 15 Elephants Open full article →

39.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Perennial streams and marshes occur in the hilly landscape of Bandhavgarh.

Statement-II: The feldspathic sandstone of the area soaks up rainwater and releases it slowly through springs.

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: Bandhavgarh: Five-Day Rejuvenation Camp for 9 of 15 Elephants Open full article →

40.

Consider the following statements about the Asian elephant:

1.It is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

2.It is listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

3.Only some males carry large tusks, and most females have only small tusks called tushes.

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: Bandhavgarh: Five-Day Rejuvenation Camp for 9 of 15 Elephants Open full article →

41.

Bandhavgarh lies between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges. Which one of the following rivers flows westward through a rift valley between these two ranges?

Son Tapi Mahanadi Narmada

From: Bandhavgarh: Five-Day Rejuvenation Camp for 9 of 15 Elephants Open full article →

42.

Consider the following statements about permafrost:

1.It is ground that stays at or below 0 degrees C for at least two consecutive years.

2.Ground counts as permafrost only if it contains ice.

3.The active layer above it thaws in summer and refreezes in winter.

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: Permafrost Thaw: Metals Persist Over 100 km Down an Alaskan River Open full article →

43.

Consider the following statements about permafrost:

1.Permafrost occurs in high mountains such as the Himalaya, not only in polar regions.

2.Thawing permafrost lets microbes decompose long-frozen organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide and methane.

3.Thermokarst lakes form where thawing ground ice makes the land surface subside.

4.Thick winter snow cover cools the ground and speeds up refreezing.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Permafrost Thaw: Metals Persist Over 100 km Down an Alaskan River Open full article →

44.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: In Alaska's Brooks Range, metal concentrations in the Salmon River stayed elevated more than 100 kilometres downstream of acid rock drainage inputs.

Statement-II: The main river had enough buffering capacity to keep its pH stable despite the acidic inputs.

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: Permafrost Thaw: Metals Persist Over 100 km Down an Alaskan River Open full article →

45.

Consider the following statements about acid rock drainage:

1.It can occur naturally when sulfide minerals such as pyrite meet oxygen and water, even where there is no mining.

2.The orange colour of affected streams comes mainly from iron compounds.

3.A fall in pH from 8 to 3 means that the water has become about five times more acidic.

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: Permafrost Thaw: Metals Persist Over 100 km Down an Alaskan River Open full article →