UPSC Current Affairs Quiz — 16 October 2026

1.

Consider the following statements about Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh:

1.It is a human-made wetland, created in 1958 by damming a seasonal stream that descends from the Shivalik hills.

2.It lies inside the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Ramsar site covers the whole sanctuary.

3.Its catchment extends beyond Chandigarh into Punjab and Haryana.

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: Sukhna and Sauj Jheel: Two New Ramsar Sites Take India to 103 Open full article →

2.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Sukhna Lake lost much of its original water-holding capacity within three decades of its creation.

Statement-II: The Shivalik hills in its catchment are highly prone to soil erosion during rains.

Statement-III: Soil and water conservation works in its catchment have since reduced siltation.

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: Sukhna and Sauj Jheel: Two New Ramsar Sites Take India to 103 Open full article →

3.

Consider the following statements about the Montreux Record:

1.It lists Ramsar sites whose ecological character has changed, is changing or is likely to change.

2.The Secretariat can place a site on it without the consent of the country concerned.

3.Keoladeo National Park was placed on it over water shortage and unbalanced grazing.

4.Chilika Lake was removed from it after being rehabilitated.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Sukhna and Sauj Jheel: Two New Ramsar Sites Take India to 103 Open full article →

4.

Consider the following statements about the Ramsar criteria for Wetlands of International Importance:

1.They consider waterbirds alone; fish and other animals do not figure in them.

2.A wetland can qualify by supporting threatened species, even without large numbers of waterbirds.

3.A wetland can qualify by regularly supporting 20,000 or more waterbirds.

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: Sukhna and Sauj Jheel: Two New Ramsar Sites Take India to 103 Open full article →

5.

Under the Ramsar Convention, the 'wise use' of wetlands is defined as:

The exclusion of all human activity from listed wetlands so that their natural state is preserved The protection of waterbirds and their habitats, whatever happens to other wetland functions The conversion of wetlands to productive use, offset by creating an equal area of new wetland elsewhere The maintenance of their ecological character, achieved through ecosystem approaches, within the context of sustainable development

From: Sukhna and Sauj Jheel: Two New Ramsar Sites Take India to 103 Open full article →

6.

Consider the following statements about the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland:

1.It was conceptualised by the State Government in 2000 as an annual event to promote tourism and showcase Naga heritage.

2.It is called the 'Festival of Festivals' because it brings the traditions of the different Naga tribes to one venue.

3.Its main venue is in Dimapur, the State's commercial hub.

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: Hornbill Festival: 27th Edition at Kisama Set for 1-10 December Open full article →

7.

Match List I with List II:

List I (Traditional youth dormitory)

A. Morung

B. Ghotul

C. Dhumkuria

D. Zawlbuk

List II (Community)

1.Mizo

2.Oraon

3.Muria (Gond)

4.Naga

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

From: Hornbill Festival: 27th Edition at Kisama Set for 1-10 December Open full article →

8.

Consider the following statements about the State of Nagaland:

1.It was formed under the State of Nagaland Act, 1962, a law made by Parliament.

2.Its territory was the Naga Hills-Tuensang Area, which thereupon ceased to be part of Assam.

3.As the Act amended the First and Fourth Schedules, it was deemed an amendment of the Constitution under Article 368.

4.English is its official language.

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: Hornbill Festival: 27th Edition at Kisama Set for 1-10 December Open full article →

9.

Consider the following statements about the geography of Nagaland:

1.It shares a boundary with Mizoram.

2.Its capital, Kohima, lies in the southern part of the State.

3.Its highest peak, Mount Saramati, lies along its border with Myanmar.

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: Hornbill Festival: 27th Edition at Kisama Set for 1-10 December Open full article →

10.

Under the Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Director-General is appointed by:

The World Health Assembly, on the nomination of the Executive Board The Executive Board, on the nomination of the World Health Assembly The United Nations General Assembly, on the recommendation of the Security Council The United Nations Secretary-General, after consulting the regional committees

From: WHO Director-General Race: Four Hopefuls Debate Reform in Berlin Open full article →

11.

Consider the following statements about the election of the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO):

1.A Member State can propose more than one candidate.

2.A candidate must be a national of the Member State that proposes him or her.

3.The Director-General is appointed for five years and can be reappointed only once.

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: WHO Director-General Race: Four Hopefuls Debate Reform in Berlin Open full article →

12.

Consider the following statements about the World Health Organization (WHO):

1.The Executive Board approves WHO's budget; the World Health Assembly only advises it.

2.The Assembly elects the Member States that designate persons to serve on the Board.

3.The Board has 34 members, each technically qualified in the field of health.

4.The Board prepares the agenda for the meetings of the Assembly.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: WHO Director-General Race: Four Hopefuls Debate Reform in Berlin Open full article →

13.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: A large part of the funds of the World Health Organization (WHO) cannot be freely redirected by WHO to priorities of its own choosing.

Statement-II: Assessed contributions, the membership dues of Member States, make up more than three-quarters of WHO's financing.

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: WHO Director-General Race: Four Hopefuls Debate Reform in Berlin Open full article →

14.

Consider the following statements about the regional arrangements of the World Health Organization (WHO):

1.Pakistan is a Member State of WHO's South-East Asia Region.

2.Each regional organisation of WHO consists of a regional committee and a regional office.

3.WHO's Regional Office for South-East Asia is located in New Delhi.

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: WHO Director-General Race: Four Hopefuls Debate Reform in Berlin Open full article →

15.

Consider the following statements about Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR):

1.It measures ground movement by comparing the phase of radar echoes recorded over the same area at different times.

2.It records only the component of ground movement along the radar's line of sight.

3.It works as well over dense tropical forest as over bare rock.

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: Masaya Volcano: InSAR Tracks Caldera Uplift and Crater Sinking Open full article →

16.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: An Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) image can show ground movement that did not occur.

Statement-II: Differences in atmospheric humidity and pressure between two acquisitions alter the radar phase.

Statement-III: InSAR values are relative to a reference area, so motion of that area shifts values elsewhere.

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: Masaya Volcano: InSAR Tracks Caldera Uplift and Crater Sinking Open full article →

17.

Consider the following statements about Nicaragua, where Masaya volcano lies:

1.Its active volcanoes lie on its Pacific side, not on its Caribbean coastal plain.

2.Its volcanic arc results from the Cocos Plate descending beneath the Caribbean Plate.

3.Lake Managua drains into the larger Lake Nicaragua through the Tipitapa River.

4.Its capital, Managua, stands on the shore of Lake Nicaragua.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Masaya Volcano: InSAR Tracks Caldera Uplift and Crater Sinking Open full article →

18.

Consider the following statements about the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission, whose radar data were used to study Masaya:

1.Copernicus is a joint initiative of the European Commission and the European Space Agency.

2.Sentinel-1 satellites carry a C-band synthetic aperture radar.

3.Sentinel-1 satellites fly in near-polar, sun-synchronous orbits.

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: Masaya Volcano: InSAR Tracks Caldera Uplift and Crater Sinking Open full article →

19.

Consider the following statements about volcanic gases and climate:

1.Volcanoes release more carbon dioxide each year than human activities do.

2.Sulphur dioxide from a large eruption can form sulphate aerosols in the stratosphere that scatter sunlight and cool the lower atmosphere.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

From: Masaya Volcano: InSAR Tracks Caldera Uplift and Crater Sinking Open full article →

20.

Consider the following statements about solid-propellant rocket motors:

1.Their fuel and oxidiser are mixed together in a solid propellant.

2.Like liquid-propellant engines, they can be throttled up and down, and switched off and on, during flight.

3.Because they carry their own oxidiser, they can produce thrust where there is no air.

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: JWALA Mk1: Two Rocket Motors Fired Before First Flight Trial Open full article →

21.

In a solid rocket motor, the propellant is cast with a hole running through it. Designers vary the shape of this hole mainly in order to:

Let air from the atmosphere reach the burning propellant Control how the motor's thrust changes as the propellant burns Make room for a separate tank of liquid oxidiser Cool the exhaust gases before they reach the nozzle

From: JWALA Mk1: Two Rocket Motors Fired Before First Flight Trial Open full article →

22.

Consider the following counter-drone measures:

1.Jamming the radio link between a drone and its operator

2.Jamming or spoofing the satellite-navigation signals a drone uses

3.Destroying a drone with a high-energy laser

4.Striking a drone with an interceptor missile

How many of the above are hard-kill measures?

Only one Only two Only three All four

From: JWALA Mk1: Two Rocket Motors Fired Before First Flight Trial Open full article →

23.

Consider the following statements about air-breathing jet engines:

1.A ramjet has no compressor; it compresses incoming air by the vehicle's forward speed.

2.A ramjet can produce thrust while the vehicle is stationary.

3.In a scramjet, fuel burns in air that is moving at supersonic speed.

4.In a conventional ramjet, combustion also takes place at supersonic speed.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: JWALA Mk1: Two Rocket Motors Fired Before First Flight Trial Open full article →

24.

Consider the following statements about the Red List of Ecosystems of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):

1.It assesses the risk of collapse of ecosystems, rather than the extinction risk of individual species.

2.It can be applied at subnational, national, regional and global scales.

3.It is a legally binding instrument adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

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: Red List of Ecosystems: Collapse-Risk Study Across 14 Districts Open full article →

25.

Consider the following statements about the criteria of the Red List of Ecosystems:

1.Criterion A considers a reduction in an ecosystem's geographic distribution.

2.Criterion B considers a restricted geographic distribution.

3.Criterion C considers the disruption of biotic processes and interactions.

4.Criterion E uses quantitative analysis to estimate the probability of collapse.

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 4 only

From: Red List of Ecosystems: Collapse-Risk Study Across 14 Districts Open full article →

26.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: In the Red List of Ecosystems, an ecosystem can be assessed as Collapsed even though many of its original species survive.

Statement-II: Collapse means the loss of an ecosystem's defining features and its replacement by a different ecosystem type.

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: Red List of Ecosystems: Collapse-Risk Study Across 14 Districts Open full article →

27.

Consider the following statements about the Red List of Ecosystems:

1.It is a headline indicator for Goal A of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

2.It can be applied to freshwater and marine ecosystems as well as terrestrial ones.

3.Its threatened categories are nested, so a Critically Endangered ecosystem also meets the Endangered and Vulnerable criteria.

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: Red List of Ecosystems: Collapse-Risk Study Across 14 Districts Open full article →

28.

Consider the following categories:

1.Extinct in the Wild

2.Near Threatened

3.Data Deficient

4.Least Concern

How many of the above are used both in the Red List of Threatened Species and in the Red List of Ecosystems of the International Union for Conservation of Nature?

Only one Only two Only three All four

From: Red List of Ecosystems: Collapse-Risk Study Across 14 Districts Open full article →

29.

In Exercise Cambrian Patrol, held by the British Army in Wales, a patrol earns a gold medal when it:

Wins the exercise outright, finishing ahead of every other patrol Completes the patrol route in the shortest time Scores at least 75 per cent of the total available points, whatever its marks on individual tasks Scores at least 75 per cent of the total available points and no less than 65 per cent on any single assessed task

From: Cambrian Patrol 2026: Assam Regiment Among 10 Gold-Medal Patrols Open full article →

30.

Consider the following statements about Exercise Cambrian Patrol:

1.It is hosted in Wales by Headquarters 160th (Welsh) Brigade of the British Army.

2.It is open only to Regular infantry units of the British Army.

3.Its patrols of eight members carry out tasks over roughly 48 hours.

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: Cambrian Patrol 2026: Assam Regiment Among 10 Gold-Medal Patrols Open full article →

31.

Consider the following statements:

1.Wales is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom and lies on the island of Great Britain.

2.The Bristol Channel separates much of south Wales from south-west England.

3.The Isle of Man is a Crown Dependency and not part of the United Kingdom.

4.Defence is a devolved subject under the control of the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Cambrian Patrol 2026: Assam Regiment Among 10 Gold-Medal Patrols Open full article →

32.

Consider the following statements about the Cambrian Period of geological time:

1.It takes its name from Cambria, a Latin name for Wales, where rocks of this age were studied.

2.It is the first period of the Paleozoic Era.

3.Most major groups of animals first appear in the fossil record during 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: Cambrian Patrol 2026: Assam Regiment Among 10 Gold-Medal Patrols Open full article →

33.

Consider the following statements about a bird:

1.It is active mainly at night.

2.It lives in sparse scrub with patches of bare ground in rocky foothills of the Eastern Ghats.

3.Presumed extinct for decades, it was rediscovered in 1986, and a sanctuary was then created for it.

4.It is listed as Critically Endangered on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Which one of the following birds is described above?

Forest owlet Great Indian bustard Indian courser Jerdon's courser

From: Lankamala Forests: Camera Traps Record Bears, Leopards, Peafowl Open full article →

34.

Consider the following statements about Jerdon's courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus):

1.It belongs to the family of coursers and pratincoles, in the same order as many shorebirds.

2.Proposed construction of the Telugu-Ganga Canal has threatened suitable habitat for it outside the sanctuary.

3.It is a long-distance migrant that breeds in Central Asia and winters in India.

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: Lankamala Forests: Camera Traps Record Bears, Leopards, Peafowl Open full article →

35.

Consider the following statements about the Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary:

1.It lies inside the sanctuary's boundary and forms part of it.

2.It was notified by the Central Government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

3.It bans commercial mining and stone quarrying, except for local residents' bona fide domestic needs.

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: Lankamala Forests: Camera Traps Record Bears, Leopards, Peafowl Open full article →

36.

Streams in Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary drain to the Pennar. Consider the following statements about the Pennar:

1.It is a tributary of the Krishna.

2.It rises in Karnataka and flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

From: Lankamala Forests: Camera Traps Record Bears, Leopards, Peafowl Open full article →

37.

Consider the following statements about Varunastra:

1.It is a ship-launched heavyweight torpedo designed for anti-submarine warfare.

2.It is electrically propelled.

3.It is designed for deep ocean waters only and cannot operate in shallow coastal waters.

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: Varunastra Torpedoes: Rs 1,543 Crore Contract Signed With BDL Open full article →

38.

Consider the following statements about lightweight torpedoes in India's anti-submarine arsenal:

1.The Torpedo Advanced Light (TAL) can be launched from ships as well as from helicopters.

2.The Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system carries a lightweight torpedo by missile far beyond the conventional range of such torpedoes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

From: Varunastra Torpedoes: Rs 1,543 Crore Contract Signed With BDL Open full article →

39.

Consider the following pairs of laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and their main areas of work:

1.Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam : Underwater weapons

2.Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, Kochi : Sonar systems

3.Naval Materials Research Laboratory, Ambernath : Gas turbine engines for aircraft

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Only one Only two All three None

From: Varunastra Torpedoes: Rs 1,543 Crore Contract Signed With BDL Open full article →

40.

Consider the following statements about the Varunastra programme:

1.The torpedo was handed over to the Indian Navy in 2016.

2.It was developed jointly with a foreign partner under a licensing agreement.

3.Bharat Dynamics Limited was associated with its development as a production partner.

4.It uses acoustic homing to track its target.

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: Varunastra Torpedoes: Rs 1,543 Crore Contract Signed With BDL Open full article →

41.

Consider the following statements about the Weather Information Network and Data System (WINDS):

1.It is an initiative of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

2.It is administered by the India Meteorological Department.

3.It envisages automatic weather stations at block or tehsil level and automatic rain gauges at gram panchayat level.

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: WINDS: 1,843 of 50,510 Weather Sensors in Place as of 9 September Open full article →

42.

Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):

1.Losses of standing crops are assessed on an area basis, using crop-cutting yield data.

2.Losses from localised hailstorms and landslides are assessed farm by farm.

3.Farmers pay a capped share of the premium; the Centre and States subsidise the rest.

4.Losses caused by theft and riots are covered.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: WINDS: 1,843 of 50,510 Weather Sensors in Place as of 9 September Open full article →

43.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: A farmer insured under the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) can suffer crop damage yet get no payout.

Statement-II: RWBCIS payouts follow weather readings at notified stations, not damage measured on each field.

Statement-III: RWBCIS settles claims only after crop-cutting experiments on every insured field.

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: WINDS: 1,843 of 50,510 Weather Sensors in Place as of 9 September Open full article →

44.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The Weather Information Network and Data System (WINDS) manual treats rooftops and open ground as equally good sites for automatic rain gauges.

Statement-II: Nearby buildings and trees can change the amount of rain a gauge catches, by obstructing it and creating turbulence.

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: WINDS: 1,843 of 50,510 Weather Sensors in Place as of 9 September Open full article →

45.

Consider the following statements:

1.An automatic weather station records only rainfall.

2.The India Meteorological Department functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

3.The World Meteorological Organization is a specialised agency of the United Nations.

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: WINDS: 1,843 of 50,510 Weather Sensors in Place as of 9 September Open full article →