21 June 2026

Quiz — 21 June 2026

Every prelims question from this edition. Tap an option to check it; what you answer is remembered on this device.

Questions

1. Which of the following best describes the 'double deflator' method recently incorporated into India's national accounts?

   1. A A method to account for both direct and indirect taxes in industrial output
   2. B A method that adjusts input and output prices separately to estimate real GDP growth
   3. C A process of adjusting GDP figures based on foreign exchange fluctuations
   4. D A technique to calculate inflation by averaging CPI and WPI

2. What is the primary objective of introducing the Producer Price Index (PPI) in India?

   1. A To replace the Consumer Price Index for calculating Dearness Allowance
   2. B To provide a comprehensive measure of household consumption expenditure
   3. C To accurately track prices producers pay for inputs and receive for outputs, excluding indirect taxes
   4. D To monitor retail price inflation for essential commodities

3. Which of the following bodies is primarily responsible for the technical examination of the Mekedatu project proposal?

   1. A Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)
   2. B National Water Development Agency
   3. C Inter-State Council
   4. D Supreme Court of India

4. As per the Supreme Court-modified award, what is the annual quantum of water that must be released by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu at Biligundlu?

   1. A 192 tmcft
   2. B 205 tmcft
   3. C 177.25 tmcft
   4. D 150 tmcft

5. Which of the following best describes the 'very strong' or 'super' El Niño threshold as per the IMD's classification?

   1. A Sea-surface temperature departure of 1-1.5°C
   2. B Sea-surface temperature departure beyond 2°C
   3. C Sea-surface temperature departure of 0.5-1°C
   4. D Sea-surface temperature departure of 1.5-2°C

6. Why is the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) significant in the context of an El Niño year for India?

   1. A It triggers the formation of El Niño in the Pacific.
   2. B It is the primary cause of early monsoon onset in June.
   3. C It can counteract the drying effect of El Niño on the Indian monsoon.
   4. D It suppresses the formation of tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean.

7. Which of the following sectors is identified as a key area of strength for India in the context of the India-U.K. trade relationship?

   1. A IT services
   2. B Financial services
   3. C Agricultural exports
   4. D Automobile manufacturing

8. Which of the following best describes the 'parametric insurance' model?

   1. A Insurance where the premium is determined by the individual's income level.
   2. B Insurance that provides payouts based on pre-set weather or environmental triggers.
   3. C Insurance exclusively provided by state governments for agricultural land.
   4. D Insurance that requires the policyholder to file a detailed claim after a loss occurs.

9. What is the primary cause of the 'pseudo-melanistic' coat pattern observed in the tigers of Similipal Tiger Reserve?

   1. A A genetic mutation causing black stripes to widen and merge
   2. B Dietary intake of specific minerals in the Odisha region
   3. C Environmental adaptation to high-altitude forests
   4. D Cross-breeding with other feline species in the wild

10. Which organization is primarily responsible for spearheading tiger estimation and reintroduction programs in India?

    1. A Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
    2. B Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
    3. C Forest Survey of India (FSI)
    4. D National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

11. Which of the following measures has been implemented by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to prevent electronic malpractice during the NEET-UG re-examination?

    1. A Mandatory use of personal electronic devices for verification
    2. B Complete prohibition of CCTV surveillance in examination rooms
    3. C Deployment of 51,311 jammers across examination centres
    4. D Decentralization of all security protocols to private invigilators

12. Which of the following bodies is primarily responsible for examining the technical feasibility of the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project according to the Supreme Court?

    1. A Inter-State Council
    2. B National Green Tribunal
    3. C NITI Aayog
    4. D Cauvery Water Management Authority

13. Under the current legal framework for the Cauvery river, what is the annual water release obligation for Karnataka at the Biligundlu point in a normal water year?

    1. A 150.50 tmcft
    2. B 205.75 tmcft
    3. C 177.25 tmcft
    4. D 192.00 tmcft

14. Articles 371A, 371F, and 371G of the Indian Constitution provide special provisions for which of the following states respectively?

    1. A Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Mizoram
    2. B Nagaland, Manipur, and Sikkim
    3. C Nagaland, Sikkim, and Mizoram
    4. D Assam, Manipur, and Tripura

15. Which of the following best describes the 'fingerprinting' technique mentioned in the context of climate research?

    1. A A technique used to measure the exact volume of carbon sequestration in forest cover.
    2. B A statistical approach to distinguish natural climate variability from human-induced atmospheric changes.
    3. C A method to track the migration patterns of species affected by climate change.
    4. D A process of identifying the specific geographic origin of industrial aerosol pollutants.

16. According to the IIT-Delhi study, what is the primary role of aerosols in the context of the Indian monsoon?

    1. A They act as a primary driver for increasing the frequency of El Niño events.
    2. B They enhance the warming effect of greenhouse gases by trapping heat in the lower atmosphere.
    3. C They scatter sunlight and can suppress rainfall, partially masking the effects of greenhouse gas warming.
    4. D They are the main cause of the shift in the core monsoon zone toward the Himalayas.

17. What is the primary definition of a Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) drug?

    1. A A medicine containing two or more active drugs combined in a fixed ratio in a single dosage form.
    2. B A drug that is exclusively used for dermatological conditions.
    3. C A medication that is only available through a prescription from a specialist doctor.
    4. D A drug that must be administered via intravenous injection only.

18. Which of the following categories of drugs was NOT mentioned as part of the recent ban on 16 FDCs?

    1. A Vaccines for viral infections
    2. B Dermatological preparations
    3. C Analgesic and antispasmodic medicines
    4. D Antibiotic-based formulations

19. Under the recent guidelines issued by the Delhi Directorate of Education, which of the following is mandatory for school staff?

    1. A Submission of affidavits declaring no history of offences against children
    2. B Completion of a three-year certification course in child psychology
    3. C Mandatory membership in the local police station's child safety cell
    4. D Direct reporting of all disciplinary issues to the state education minister

20. What is the primary function of the child protection committees mandated by the Directorate of Education?

    1. A To conduct annual examinations for teaching staff
    2. B To review complaints and safety measures on a quarterly basis
    3. C To manage the school's financial accounts and audit reports
    4. D To serve as a liaison between the school and political representatives

21. Which of the following best describes the primary objective of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) established by Iran?

    1. A To serve as the sole official channel for processing transit requests in the Strait of Hormuz
    2. B To regulate the export of Iranian crude oil to European markets
    3. C To coordinate joint naval patrols with the United States Navy
    4. D To collect international maritime taxes for the United Nations

22. Which of the following best describes the legal status of Antarctica under the 1959 Antarctic Treaty?

    1. A A neutral, demilitarised zone dedicated to peaceful scientific research.
    2. B A global common property managed exclusively by the United Nations.
    3. C A sovereign territory of the countries that first established research stations.
    4. D A commercial zone open to regulated resource extraction by signatory nations.

23. The Ananta Neeru Sanrakshanam Project, recently in the news, is primarily focused on:

    1. A Inter-state river water dispute resolution
    2. B Industrial water pollution control
    3. C Community-driven water conservation and ecological restoration
    4. D Urban sewage treatment infrastructure

24. Which of the following best describes the geographical context of the Rayadurgam region mentioned in the project?

    1. A Coastal region prone to cyclonic flooding
    2. B High-altitude Himalayan plateau
    3. C Drought-prone area with low annual rainfall
    4. D High-rainfall tropical rainforest zone

25. Which of the following best describes the business model of Telegram as highlighted in the context of its regulatory interactions?

    1. A A diversified conglomerate with multiple revenue streams across various digital sectors.
    2. B A government-subsidized platform focused on public information dissemination.
    3. C A decentralized autonomous organization with no central ownership or legal liability.
    4. D A purely messaging-focused firm with limited diversification and minimal local personnel.

26. As of recent industry reports, what is India's global ranking in terms of installed solar capacity?

    1. A First
    2. B Fourth
    3. C Second
    4. D Third

27. The PMJAY-SEHAT scheme is designed to provide:

    1. A Direct cash transfers to medical professionals in rural areas
    2. B Subsidized cardiac surgery for BPL families across India
    3. C Infrastructure development grants for district hospitals in J&K
    4. D Universal health insurance coverage to all residents of Jammu and Kashmir

28. Under which schedule of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is the golden langur protected?

    1. A Schedule II
    2. B Schedule I
    3. C Schedule IV
    4. D Schedule III

29. Which of the following best describes the primary objective of a judicial inquiry conducted by a retired High Court judge in the context of police encounters?

    1. A To provide legal defense for the police personnel involved
    2. B To bypass the existing criminal justice system for faster sentencing
    3. C To ensure an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation
    4. D To provide financial compensation to the families of the deceased

30. Which of the following is the primary objective of India's 'Act East' policy regarding connectivity with Southeast Asia?

    1. A Establishing a maritime trade route through the Bay of Bengal
    2. B Promoting cultural exchange programs with European nations
    3. C Creating a unified currency zone with ASEAN countries
    4. D Developing land-based connectivity through the Northeast to Myanmar

31. The 'Prajaseva Department' recently launched in Karnataka is primarily aimed at:

    1. A Regulating the implementation of central welfare schemes
    2. B Improving agricultural productivity in rural taluks
    3. C Streamlining public grievance redressal and citizen outreach
    4. D Digitizing land records for urban development

32. Which of the following is the primary regulatory body responsible for the development and promotion of spice exports from India?

    1. A Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
    2. B Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
    3. C Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
    4. D Spices Board

33. What percentage of India's total spice export earnings is contributed by chilli?

    1. A 15%
    2. B 42%
    3. C 35%
    4. D 27%

34. Which of the following technologies is NOT mentioned as part of the AI-enabled crowd management system for the Sabarimala pilgrimage?

    1. A Face-recognition technology
    2. B Infrared cameras
    3. C Drones
    4. D Biometric fingerprint scanners

35. In the context of Rajya Sabha elections in India, what is the minimum number of first-preference votes required for a candidate to be elected from a state assembly with 81 members?

    1. A 28
    2. B 56
    3. C 21
    4. D 41

36. The 'Kayakalp' programme, often associated with quality upgrades in public health facilities, is primarily aimed at:

    1. A Encouraging hygiene, sanitation, and infection control in public health facilities
    2. B Promoting digitisation of patient medical records
    3. C Standardising the curriculum for medical education in municipal colleges
    4. D Providing direct cash transfers to patients below the poverty line

37. The 'Purvodaya' policy, as mentioned in recent government initiatives, primarily focuses on the development of which region of India?

    1. A North-Eastern India
    2. B Southern India
    3. C Western India
    4. D Eastern India

38. What is the primary objective of the 'Suryagram' initiative as described in the context of village development?

    1. A To ensure every household generates solar power
    2. B To improve railway connectivity in remote areas
    3. C To promote traditional tribal handicrafts
    4. D To establish large-scale coal gasification plants

39. What is the primary advantage of Decentralised Sewage Treatment Plants (DSTPs) compared to traditional large-scale Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)?

    1. A They eliminate the need for any chemical treatment of wastewater.
    2. B They treat sewage close to the source, reducing the need for extensive transport networks.
    3. C They are exclusively funded by international environmental agencies.
    4. D They require significantly less electricity to operate.

40. The 8th-century Sanskrit collection 'Suka Saptati' is historically significant for being the precursor to which major literary work?

    1. A Jataka Tales
    2. B Kathasaritsagara
    3. C Panchatantra
    4. D One Thousand and One Nights

41. Which of the following best describes the historical argument regarding the origins of Hindutva as presented by Romila Thapar?

    1. A It is rooted in colonial-era theories such as the two-nation theory and concepts of Aryan racial purity.
    2. B It emerged as a direct response to the partition of India in 1947.
    3. C It is an ancient indigenous movement rooted in Vedic traditions.
    4. D It was primarily a socio-economic movement led by the liberal Nehruvian elite.

42. Which of the following best describes the current trend in UPSC preparation as highlighted by recent shifts in the coaching industry?

    1. A A complete transition from human-led coaching to fully automated AI-only platforms.
    2. B The emergence of a hybrid model where AI handles scale and data, while human mentors focus on judgment and doubt resolution.
    3. C A decline in the demand for civil services due to the high success rate of AI-based preparation.
    4. D The total elimination of regional coaching hubs in favor of centralized digital-only platforms.

43. The Strait of Hormuz, often cited in the context of global oil supply stability, connects which two bodies of water?

    1. A The Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea
    2. B The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden
    3. C The Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman
    4. D The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal

44. Which of the following countries was an original member of the Group of Six (G6) formed in 1975?

    1. A Canada
    2. B Italy
    3. C China
    4. D Russia

45. What was the primary reason for the transition of the G8 back to the G7 in 2014?

    1. A Economic recession in Russia
    2. B Expansion of the G20
    3. C Disagreement over climate change policies
    4. D Russia's annexation of Crimea

46. Lt. Gen. Dhiraj Seth, the 31st Chief of the Army Staff, belongs to which of the following corps of the Indian Army?

    1. A Corps of Artillery
    2. B Corps of Engineers
    3. C Armoured Corps
    4. D Infantry

47. Based on the study conducted in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone during the 2022 occupation, which of the following mammals showed an increase in sightings during periods of intensified combat?

    1. A Roe deer
    2. B Wild boar
    3. C Red deer
    4. D Brown hare

48. With reference to seismic waves, what are ScS waves?

    1. A Primary waves that compress and expand the Earth's crust in the direction of wave propagation.
    2. B Secondary waves that only travel through the Earth's liquid outer core.
    3. C Waves that travel horizontally along the Earth's surface causing maximum destruction.
    4. D Waves that travel from an earthquake source to the Earth's core and reflect back to the surface.

49. Which of the following best describes the rationale behind the shift to a pay-as-you-go model for AI agents?

    1. A To align billing with the variable consumption of computing resources and token generation
    2. B To mandate fixed upfront investments for all software services
    3. C To reduce the total number of AI agents available to enterprise users
    4. D To eliminate the need for cloud infrastructure in AI deployment

50. The new defence manufacturing facility established by Shree Refrigerations Ltd. is located in which of the following states?

    1. A Tamil Nadu
    2. B Maharashtra
    3. C Karnataka
    4. D Gujarat

51. According to the Bank of America Securities report (June 2026), which platform leads the online fashion segment in India?

    1. A Myntra
    2. B Flipkart
    3. C Amazon India
    4. D Ajio

52. What is the primary strategic focus of the 'Sintex 2.0' initiative as described in the recent corporate restructuring?

    1. A Diversification into renewable energy infrastructure
    2. B Expansion into comprehensive water management including storage, transportation, and treatment
    3. C Divestment from water storage to focus solely on urban real estate development
    4. D Transitioning exclusively to recycled plastic manufacturing for environmental compliance

53. Which article of the Indian Constitution states that 'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States'?

    1. A Article 1
    2. B Article 2
    3. C Article 4
    4. D Article 3

54. The Nathu La pass, which serves as a route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, is located in which Indian state?

    1. A Arunachal Pradesh
    2. B Himachal Pradesh
    3. C Sikkim
    4. D Uttarakhand

55. The travel advisories for Assam, which were recently lifted by the European Union, were originally imposed in which year?

    1. A 1979
    2. B 1962
    3. C 1947
    4. D 1991

56. Which of the following best describes the primary objective of the 'Operation Toofan' initiative mentioned in the context of Kerala?

    1. A To combat drug abuse through community and religious engagement
    2. B To reform the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
    3. C To implement stricter border control measures against drug trafficking
    4. D To provide financial assistance to drug rehabilitation centers

57. Which of the following best describes the legal concern raised by the Karnataka High Court regarding the valuation of plantation properties in bank auctions?

    1. A The appointment of an unqualified valuer who lacked the specific authorization to value plantation properties.
    2. B The violation of the Banking Regulation Act regarding the mandatory sale price of agricultural land.
    3. C The lack of constitutional protection for agricultural landowners under the current insolvency framework.
    4. D The failure of the Reserve Bank of India to oversee the auction process of distressed assets.

58. What is the primary purpose of 'transit bail' granted by a court in the context of criminal proceedings?

    1. A To grant permanent immunity from arrest in all states.
    2. B To allow an accused to travel to a different jurisdiction to seek anticipatory bail.
    3. C To transfer the trial of a case from one state to another permanently.
    4. D To provide a permanent stay on the investigation of a case.

59. Which of the following bodies is primarily responsible for the regulation and supervision of commercial banks in India, including public sector banks?

    1. A Reserve Bank of India
    2. B Ministry of Finance
    3. C NITI Aayog
    4. D Securities and Exchange Board of India

60. Who is the primary point of contact between the Election Commission of India and the voters at the grassroots level?

    1. A Returning Officer
    2. B Chief Electoral Officer
    3. C District Magistrate
    4. D Booth Level Officer

61. Which of the following is a primary concern raised by medical associations regarding the proposed increase in the retirement age of government medical college faculty?

    1. A Decrease in the quality of medical research output
    2. B Stagnation of career advancement and recruitment opportunities for younger doctors
    3. C Reduction in the total number of government medical colleges
    4. D Increase in the financial burden on the state exchequer

62. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which of the following is a primary legal framework for addressing acts of mob violence and rioting?

    1. A The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
    2. B The Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860
    3. C The Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence Act
    4. D The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

63. The Karveer Nivasini Shri Ambabai Mahalaxmi Temple, recently in the news for its corridor project, is located in which Indian state?

    1. A Maharashtra
    2. B Madhya Pradesh
    3. C Karnataka
    4. D Gujarat

64. The proposed Karnataka Bhavan-4 in New Delhi is primarily intended to provide facilities for which of the following groups?

    1. A Students preparing for national-level competitive examinations
    2. B State legislators and visiting officials
    3. C Retired civil servants residing in the capital
    4. D Delegations visiting for inter-state trade negotiations