Daily current affairs quiz 25 August 2026 | 15 MCQs for UPSC & State PCS
UPSCJOURNAL Editorial TeamAugust 25, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz - 25 August 2026
15 MCQs | UPSC / State PCS
Score: 0Attempted: 0/15
Q1.
With reference to the 25th India-China Special Representatives Talks held on 25 August 2026, consider the following statements:
1.India was represented by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
2.The talks deal with the India-China boundary question.
3.The Special Representatives mechanism functions under ASEAN.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Correct Answer: B. 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi participated in the 25th SR Talks in Beijing. The mechanism deals with the boundary question. It is a bilateral India-China mechanism, not an ASEAN body. Extra Fact: WMCC is another India-China mechanism dealing with border affairs.
Q2.
The term LAC, frequently used in the context of India-China relations, stands for:
Correct Answer: B. Line of Actual Control
Explanation: LAC means Line of Actual Control, the de facto boundary separating Indian- and Chinese-controlled territories in disputed sectors.
Q3.
With reference to the DRDO technology-transfer decision announced on 25 August 2026, consider the following statements:
2.Eligible Indian defence industries can receive technologies for domestic production.
3.The announcement automatically covers all strategic nuclear missile systems.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Correct Answer: B. 1 and 2 only
Explanation: The official wording refers specifically to conventional missile systems. Therefore, Statement 3 is incorrect. Extra Fact: DRDO functions under the Ministry of Defence.
Q4.
Transfer of Technology (ToT) is best understood as:
Correct Answer: B. Transfer of technical know-how to an authorised producer
Explanation: ToT allows a qualified organisation to obtain technical knowledge and documentation needed to manufacture or use a technology.
Q5.
CSIR-NAL, which unveiled indigenous gas-turbine engines on 25 August 2026, is associated with which ministry?
Correct Answer: C. Ministry of Science and Technology
Explanation: CSIR-NAL is part of CSIR, which comes under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Prelims Trap: CSIR-NAL is not a DRDO laboratory.
Q6.
Which thermodynamic cycle is ideally associated with gas-turbine engines?
Correct Answer: B. Brayton Cycle
Explanation: Gas-turbine engines are ideally represented by the Brayton Cycle. Extra Fact: Their major components include a compressor, combustor and turbine.
Q7.
The indigenous gas-turbine engines unveiled by CSIR-NAL have potential applications in which of the following?
1.Tactical UAVs
2.Drone interceptors
3.Compact missile systems
Select the correct answer:
Correct Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three are important potential applications of such small gas-turbine propulsion systems.
Q8.
Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026 was launched by:
Correct Answer: B. Ministry of Mines
Explanation: CMiH 2026 was launched under the Ministry of Mines. Extra Fact: It is being organised by JNARDDC, Nagpur.
Q9.
Consider the following with reference to Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026:
1.GSI Bhukosh data
2.Sentinel-2 satellite data
3.Geochemical datasets
4.AI/ML techniques
These are used mainly for:
Correct Answer: B. Mineral prospectivity mapping
Explanation: These datasets and technologies can be combined to identify zones with higher probability of containing critical mineral deposits.
Q10.
Which of the following statements regarding India's critical minerals is correct?
Correct Answer: B. India identified 30 critical minerals, while 24 are included in Part D of Schedule I of the MMDR Act.
Explanation: India identified 30 critical minerals, while 24 critical and strategic minerals were included in Part D of Schedule I of the MMDR Act. Extra Fact: Critical minerals are important for defence, electronics, clean energy and semiconductors as well.
Q11.
At UNCCD COP17, India called for a shift from:
Correct Answer: B. Drought response to drought resilience
Explanation: India emphasised preparedness, prevention and resilience rather than reacting only after drought occurs.
Q12.
Consider the following pairs:
1.UNFCCC - Climate Change
2.CBD - Biodiversity
3.UNCCD - Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Correct Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three are correctly matched and are commonly referred to as the Rio Conventions.
Q13.
Recent India-Japan economic engagement highlighted cooperation in which of the following sectors?
1.Semiconductors
2.Artificial Intelligence
3.Green hydrogen
4.Advanced manufacturing
Select the correct answer:
Correct Answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation: All four sectors are important elements of India-Japan technology, investment and economic-security cooperation. Extra Fact: India and Japan describe their relationship as a Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
Q14.
With reference to Bangladesh's reported consideration of joining the Mecca Pact, which statement is most accurate?
Correct Answer: C. Bangladesh indicated it could consider joining, but no final accession decision has been confirmed.
Explanation: This was a consideration/diplomatic signal, not a completed accession. Exam Tip: Always distinguish between proposal, negotiation, agreement and implementation.
Q15.
The Philippines' plan to expand its military drone capability is most directly linked to security concerns in the:
Correct Answer: B. South China Sea
Explanation: Philippine defence modernisation is strongly influenced by tensions in the South China Sea. Extra Fact: UAVs are increasingly important for maritime surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting.
