Stay Tuned with Daily Current Affairs Newspaper Quiz for UPSC 2026
Question 1
Science and Technology | Defence | Medium | Indian Express
SOURCE
Consider the following pairs (unmanned vehicles and countries)
YIHA III – Poland
Harop – Turkey
Warmate – Israel
How many pairs are correctly matched?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None of the above
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (D) None of the above
Detailed Explanation
- YIHA III – Turkey
- Harop – Israel
- Warmate – Poland
Question 2
Economy | Trade | Medium | Indian Express
SOURCE
Consider the following statements in relation to Vietnam-US trade deal:
1. USA and Vietnam have mutually agreed to pay 20% duty on import and export of goods to and from both the nations.
2. Transshipped goods from Vietnam will cost 40% import duty as applied by USA.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. None of the above
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (B) 2 only
Detailed Explanation
- USA – Vietnam Tariff Deal
- Vietnam to pay 20% tariffs to USA
- USA not to pay any tariff to Vietnam
- Transshipment from other nations supplying goods via Vietnam will attract 40% tariffs
Question 3
Social Issues | Schemes | Medium | Indian Express
SOURCE
Consider the following with respect to Unified Pension Scheme
1. Assured family pension
2. Assured minimum pension
3. Inflation indexation
How many features stated above is or are a part of the UPS?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None of the above
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (C) All three
Detailed Explanation
Question 4
Environment | Pollution | Hard | Indian Express
SOURCE
Consider the following wrto CAFÉ III norms:
1. The CAFE norms are calculated based on the sales-weighted average CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption.
2. These aim for a CO₂ emission target of 91. 7 g/km
3. Non-compliance results in penalties, such as ₹25,000 per vehicle for minor deviations and ₹50,000 per vehicle for significant violations.
How many statements are correct:
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None of the above
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (C) All three
Detailed Explanation
- CAFE norms were introduced in India under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Union Ministry of Power. They were first notified in 2017 and implemented in two phases:
- CAFE I (2017–2022): Mandated an average corporate CO₂ emission of less than 130 grams per kilometre (g/km).
- CAFE II (2022–2027): Reduced the target to below 113 g/km, representing a 13 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions despite an increase in average industry kerb weight from 1,037 kg to 1,145 kg.
- The proposed CAFE III norms, set to take effect from April 1, 2027 are a part of a 10-year roadmap: 2027–2037, including CAFE IV.
- These aim for a CO₂ emission target of 91. 7 g/km under the stringent Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), compared to a slightly relaxed 92. 9 g/km proposed by automakers under the Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC).
Penalties and Credits
- Non-compliance results in penalties, such as ₹25,000 per vehicle for minor deviations and ₹50,000 per vehicle for significant violations.
- Manufacturers exceeding targets can bank and trade credits, incentivising over-compliance.
Measure Actual CO₂ Emissions
- The actual CO₂ emissions of each vehicle model are measured in grams per kilometre under standard test conditions.
- The sales-weighted average CO₂ emissions of the manufacturer’s fleet are calculated.
- Compliance is achieved if the actual average CO₂ emissions are less than or equal to the scaled target.
Question 5
Environment | Pollution | Medium | Indian Express
SOURCE
Consider the following:
1. Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body.
2. It was formed to address air quality issues in the whole of India.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. None of the above
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (A) 1 only
Detailed Explanation
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
- It was formed to address air quality issues in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas. The CAQM replaced the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA).
Question 6
Polity | Judiciary | Medium | The Hindu
SOURCE
Consider the following statements:
1. A judge of the SC can be appointed as an acting CJI in case of temporary vacancy.
2. CJI can appoint a judge of a High Court as an ad hoc judge of SC.
3. Writs can originally be issued only by the Supreme Court and High Courts.
How many statements are correct:
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None of the above
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (C) All three
Detailed Explanation
- Acting CJI – A judge of the SC can be appointed as an acting CJI by the President in case of temporary vacancy, absence or inability of CJI to perform his duties. (Article 126)
- Ad hoc Judge – When there is a lack of quorum of the permanent judges, the CJI can appoint a judge of a High Court as an ad hoc judge of SC for a temporary period. (Article 127)
- He can do so only after consultation with the chief justice of the High Court concerned and with the previous consent of the President.
- The judge so appointed should be qualified for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court.
- In India, both the Supreme Court and High Courts have writ jurisdiction, primarily to safeguard fundamental rights. The Supreme Court’s power is defined in Article 32, while High Courts’ power is defined in Article 226 of the Constitution.
Question 7
Economy | Markets | Medium | The Hindu
SOURCE
Consider the following:
1. The RBI has no role in promoting green loans but commercial banks do.
2. Green bonds are expensive to bear as compared to a normal bond.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. None of the above
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (D) None of the above
Detailed Explanation
- The Reserve Bank of India urges lenders to create a bankable pool of green projects to boost climate-related financing. A dedicated cohort on climate change risks and sustainable finance is proposed under the Regulatory Sandbox. RBI aims to improve expertise in appraising and financing green projects.
- If the demand for green bonds is higher, it causes a decrease in interest rates, which means the company is spending less from its pockets. The interest cost of issuing green bonds is usually lower than that charged on loans by banks and financial institutions.
Question 8
Science | Basic Science | Easy | The Hindu
SOURCE
Which of the following is not a use of Aluminum?
A. Packaging
B. Aircraft
C. Marine Vessels
D. Defence equipment
E. None of the above
Solution & Detailed Explanation
Answer: (E) None of the above
Detailed Explanation
- Aluminium and its alloys are crucial in modern defence, offering a combination of strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. This makes it a versatile material for various applications, including military vehicles, aircraft, missiles, and personal protection.
- Aluminium is widely used in packaging due to its excellent barrier properties, light weight, and recyclability. It is used for food and beverage packaging, including cans, foil, and containers, offering protection from light, air, and moisture. Aluminium’s ability to be recycled without loss of quality further enhances its appeal as a sustainable packaging material.
