UPSC Current Affairs Quiz — 26 October 2026

1.

Consider the following statements about a tree-fungus root partnership:

1.Fungal threads can extend beyond the root surface into the soil.

2.The fungus supplies photosynthetic sugars to the tree.

3.The association can help the tree obtain water and minerals.

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: Rugda Mushroom: Forest Ecology and Tribal Livelihoods in Jharkhand Open full article →

2.

Consider the following statements about fungi:

1.Fungi form a kingdom distinct from plants.

2.A mushroom is the whole fungal organism.

3.Hyphae are the fine threads forming a fungal network.

4.A fruiting body can produce reproductive spores.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Rugda Mushroom: Forest Ecology and Tribal Livelihoods in Jharkhand Open full article →

3.

Consider the following statements about non-timber forest produce:

1.It excludes all products consumed within a household.

2.Honey and mushrooms can fall within this category.

3.Collector knowledge can contribute to its economic value.

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: Rugda Mushroom: Forest Ecology and Tribal Livelihoods in Jharkhand Open full article →

4.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: An equal weight of fresh and dried mushrooms need not supply the same quantity of nutrients.

Statement-II: Dry-weight nutrient percentages can be applied directly to the same weight of fresh mushrooms.

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: Rugda Mushroom: Forest Ecology and Tribal Livelihoods in Jharkhand Open full article →

5.

Consider the following statements about studying a locally named wild fungus:

1.Structural and genetic evidence can help establish its identity.

2.A shared market name proves that all collections belong to one species.

3.A result from one identified specimen need not apply to every market collection.

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: Rugda Mushroom: Forest Ecology and Tribal Livelihoods in Jharkhand Open full article →

6.

Consider the following statements about pumped-storage hydropower:

1.Charging uses electricity to raise water to a higher reservoir.

2.The plant produces more electricity each cycle than pumping consumes.

3.Water released downhill can drive a turbine during discharge.

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: Saidongar-1: Forest Dispute Around a 3,000 MW Pumped-Storage Project Open full article →

7.

Consider the following statements about electricity storage:

1.Megawatts express the rate of power delivery.

2.Megawatt-hours express an amount of energy.

3.An installed power rating alone determines discharge duration.

4.Reservoir capacity and height difference affect usable storage.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Saidongar-1: Forest Dispute Around a 3,000 MW Pumped-Storage Project Open full article →

8.

Consider the following statements about pumped-storage layouts:

1.An open-loop system has a continuing connection with a natural water body.

2.A closed-loop system is separate from such a continuing connection.

3.Recirculating water means the system requires no initial filling.

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: Saidongar-1: Forest Dispute Around a 3,000 MW Pumped-Storage Project Open full article →

9.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Storage can be useful even when its round-trip efficiency is below 100%.

Statement-II: Electricity demand and generation need not peak at the same time.

Statement-III: Storage can shift part of an earlier electricity supply to a later period.

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: Saidongar-1: Forest Dispute Around a 3,000 MW Pumped-Storage Project Open full article →

10.

Which one of the following best describes the scope of environmental clearance for a large project?

It establishes that construction has already been completed It replaces every forest and tree-felling permission It certifies that the project has no environmental impacts It grants conditional approval; other applicable permissions remain necessary

From: Saidongar-1: Forest Dispute Around a 3,000 MW Pumped-Storage Project Open full article →

11.

Consider the following statements about the Standard Model of particle physics:

1.It describes electromagnetic, strong and weak interactions.

2.It already provides a complete quantum description of gravity.

3.Its incompleteness does not erase its success within tested domains.

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: Ashoke Sen Receives the 2026 Oskar Klein Medal Open full article →

12.

Consider the following statements about string theory:

1.Its elementary constituents are modelled as one-dimensional objects.

2.Different vibrations can represent different particles.

3.Mathematical consistency alone proves that it describes nature.

4.It is a candidate framework for studying quantum gravity.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Ashoke Sen Receives the 2026 Oskar Klein Medal Open full article →

13.

Consider the following statements about S-duality:

1.Strong coupling means precisely the same thing as the strong nuclear force.

2.A strongly coupled description can be related to a weakly coupled one.

3.A dual description can make a difficult calculation more tractable.

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: Ashoke Sen Receives the 2026 Oskar Klein Medal Open full article →

14.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Observing black holes does not by itself verify a particular quantum theory of gravity.

Statement-II: Black holes raise questions requiring both gravity and quantum physics.

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: Ashoke Sen Receives the 2026 Oskar Klein Medal Open full article →

15.

Black-hole entropy is most directly concerned with which one of the following?

The number of telescopes used to image a black hole The microscopic arrangements underlying its large-scale properties The distance between a black hole and an observer The apparent brightness of a surrounding star

From: Ashoke Sen Receives the 2026 Oskar Klein Medal Open full article →

16.

Consider the following statements about a perennial flowering shrub:

1.Perennial means it completes its entire life in one growing season.

2.Flowering and fruiting can occur during particular seasons.

3.Repeated visits can help researchers compare its reproductive features.

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: Osbeckia assamensis: A Newly Described Plant from Manas Open full article →

17.

Consider the following statements about grassland biodiversity:

1.Grasslands can form an important part of a protected-area mosaic.

2.All grasslands are degraded forests awaiting tree cover.

3.River processes can influence adjoining alluvial habitats.

4.More tree cover always improves habitat for grassland species.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Osbeckia assamensis: A Newly Described Plant from Manas Open full article →

18.

Consider the following statements about the Manas landscape:

1.It lies along the India-Bhutan boundary.

2.Its rivers are part of the Brahmaputra drainage.

3.It is a coastal wetland beside the Arabian 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: Osbeckia assamensis: A Newly Described Plant from Manas Open full article →

19.

Consider the following statements about a newly described plant:

1.Publication of its scientific description means the plant first evolved on that date.

2.A record at one locality proves that it is absent from every other locality.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

From: Osbeckia assamensis: A Newly Described Plant from Manas Open full article →

20.

Match the following:

Plant feature - Description

A. Calyx - 1. Cluster or arrangement of flowers

B. Inflorescence - 2. Material deposited by flowing water

C. Alluvium - 3. Outer flower parts made up of sepals

Select the correct match:

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

From: Osbeckia assamensis: A Newly Described Plant from Manas Open full article →

21.

Consider the following statements about ski-jump carrier operations:

1.A ski-jump assists an aircraft during take-off.

2.Arresting wires bring returning aircraft to a stop.

3.The ski-jump is the equipment that stops a landing aircraft.

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: Rafale Marine Trials: Preparing for Carrier Operations on INS Vikrant Open full article →

22.

Consider the following statements about integrating a fighter with a carrier:

1.Successful flight alone establishes every deck-handling requirement.

2.Wing configuration can affect handling and storage space.

3.Shore trials can reproduce important launch and recovery conditions.

4.Training and maintenance contribute to sustained operations.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Rafale Marine Trials: Preparing for Carrier Operations on INS Vikrant Open full article →

23.

Consider the following statements about a naval aircraft programme:

1.Commissioning a carrier establishes that every future fighter is already integrated.

2.A procurement contract can include training and support as well as aircraft.

3.A planned delivery schedule is different from proof of completed deliveries.

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: Rafale Marine Trials: Preparing for Carrier Operations on INS Vikrant Open full article →

24.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: An aircraft used at sea can still require compatibility trials for another carrier.

Statement-II: Carriers can use different aircraft-launch arrangements.

Statement-III: Carrier compatibility is determined only by the aircraft's maximum speed.

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: Rafale Marine Trials: Preparing for Carrier Operations on INS Vikrant Open full article →

25.

In military aviation, reconnaissance primarily refers to:

Gathering information about an area, activity or adversary Replacing worn aircraft components in a repair facility Stopping an aircraft with flight-deck arresting gear Moving an aircraft from its hangar to a flight deck

From: Rafale Marine Trials: Preparing for Carrier Operations on INS Vikrant Open full article →

26.

Consider the following statements about the Hindu Kush Himalaya:

1.It is a mountain region extending across national boundaries.

2.Upstream changes can affect downstream communities.

3.Regional cooperation removes the need to consider local conditions.

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: G.B. Pant Institute and ICIMOD: Coordinating Himalayan Research Open full article →

27.

Consider the following statements about ICIMOD, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development:

1.It is an intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre.

2.It acts as the sole environmental regulator for all member countries.

3.Its work can connect ecological and livelihood questions.

4.Regional membership means every part of every member country is mountainous.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: G.B. Pant Institute and ICIMOD: Coordinating Himalayan Research Open full article →

28.

Consider the following statements about cryospheric change:

1.Increased glacier melting can temporarily increase meltwater supply.

2.Such an increase proves that downstream water supply will remain higher permanently.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

From: G.B. Pant Institute and ICIMOD: Coordinating Himalayan Research Open full article →

29.

Consider the following statements about a shared research database:

1.A common storage location guarantees that all measurements are comparable.

2.Information about methods and dates helps users interpret the measurements.

3.Complete financial spending proves an environmental improvement.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Only one Only two All three None

From: G.B. Pant Institute and ICIMOD: Coordinating Himalayan Research Open full article →

30.

Consider the following statements about the Golden Triangle:

1.It concerns the area where Myanmar, Thailand and Laos meet.

2.It is the same three-country grouping as India, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

3.Myanmar is relevant to both groupings.

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: Operation Trident Targets a Cross-Border Drug Network and Its Finances Open full article →

31.

Consider the following statements about an investigation:

1.An arrest is a finding of guilt after trial.

2.Freezing property can restrict dealings while proceedings continue.

3.Attachment and final confiscation are distinct legal stages.

4.A frozen account proves its holder knowingly financed a crime.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Operation Trident Targets a Cross-Border Drug Network and Its Finances Open full article →

32.

Consider the following statements about enforcement responsibilities:

1.The Narcotics Control Bureau coordinates drug-law enforcement.

2.The Enforcement Directorate investigates money-laundering offences.

3.Drug regulation also provides for legitimate medical and scientific uses.

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: Operation Trident Targets a Cross-Border Drug Network and Its Finances Open full article →

33.

Why should an alleged transaction total, attached property value and seized cash be presented separately?

They necessarily refer to identical assets counted at the same time They describe different measures of money movement, restrained assets and physical recovery A transaction total is always the same as the number of accused persons Each figure is a final judicial finding of guilt

From: Operation Trident Targets a Cross-Border Drug Network and Its Finances Open full article →

34.

Consider the following statements about a selected hospital study:

1.Its percentage applies automatically to all residents of the country.

2.The entry criteria help define the population to which its results refer.

3.The denominator should remain attached to any reported percentage.

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: Indian Hospital Study Highlights Gaps in Recognising Melioidosis Open full article →

35.

Consider the following statements about health statistics:

1.Prevalence concerns the proportion of a defined group with a condition.

2.Incidence concerns new cases arising over time.

3.In-hospital deaths necessarily include every later death after discharge.

4.An observed association alone establishes a cause for every patient.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

From: Indian Hospital Study Highlights Gaps in Recognising Melioidosis Open full article →

36.

Consider the following statements about an environmental infection:

1.People and animals can become ill through a shared environmental exposure.

2.Illness in both groups proves direct transmission from an animal to a person.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

From: Indian Hospital Study Highlights Gaps in Recognising Melioidosis Open full article →

37.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: A study using laboratory-confirmed cases can miss some infections.

Statement-II: Every infected person necessarily receives a positive result in that study.

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: Indian Hospital Study Highlights Gaps in Recognising Melioidosis Open full article →

38.

Consider the following statements about the Democratic Republic of the Congo:

1.It is a different country from the Republic of the Congo.

2.It has a short outlet to the Atlantic Ocean.

3.Kinshasa and Bunia are alternative names for the same city.

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: DRC Begins a Bundibugyo Vaccine Trial During an Ebola Outbreak Open full article →

39.

Consider the following statements about vaccine indications:

1.Approval against one virus establishes protection against every related virus.

2.Off-label use is use beyond the approved indication.

3.An immune response and demonstrated protection from illness are different outcomes.

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: DRC Begins a Bundibugyo Vaccine Trial During an Ebola Outbreak Open full article →

40.

Consider the following statements about an outbreak response:

1.A first trial vaccination establishes that the candidate is effective.

2.Clinical research can proceed alongside care and surveillance.

3.Sharing a national border alone proves disease transmission across it.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Only one Only two All three None

From: DRC Begins a Bundibugyo Vaccine Trial During an Ebola Outbreak Open full article →

41.

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Outbreak control requires more than starting vaccine research.

Statement-II: A trial collects evidence rather than supplying already proven protection.

Statement-III: Care, prevention and surveillance address ongoing illness and transmission.

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: DRC Begins a Bundibugyo Vaccine Trial During an Ebola Outbreak Open full article →

42.

Consider the following statements about a newly observed tiger litter:

1.The sighting establishes reproduction and survival up to that observation.

2.Every observed cub is already an independent breeding adult.

3.Later survival and movement affect the litter's contribution to the population.

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: Three Cubs Reported at Ranthambore: Survival and Habitat Connectivity Open full article →

43.

Consider the following statements about genetic isolation:

1.Every birth necessarily introduces genes from another population.

2.Movement between populations can support genetic exchange.

3.A population-level inbreeding result diagnoses every cub's health.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Only one Only two All three None

From: Three Cubs Reported at Ranthambore: Survival and Habitat Connectivity Open full article →

44.

Why should several tiger photographs not automatically be counted as several tigers?

All tigers in a reserve have identical stripe patterns Cameras record only adult animals A photograph proves the animal has established a breeding territory Different photographs can show the same individually recognisable animal

From: Three Cubs Reported at Ranthambore: Survival and Habitat Connectivity Open full article →

45.

Match the following conservation links:

A. Herbivore prey - 1. Can support movement between habitats

B. Habitat connection - 2. Supports a carnivore's food supply

C. Local livestock loss - 3. Can impose a cost on nearby households

Select the correct match:

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

From: Three Cubs Reported at Ranthambore: Survival and Habitat Connectivity Open full article →