Daily Current Affairs MCQs — 15 August 2026
High-Level Prelims Practice | 20 Questions
These are designed at a UPSC Prelims level, with emphasis on statement-based questions, conceptual understanding, elimination and current affairs linkage, rather than simple fact recall. The questions are based on today's major developments, including Sapta Dhara, nuclear-energy reforms, Census 2027, gallantry awards, maritime security, Vande Mataram and related issues.
Q1. With reference to the Sapta Dhara framework, consider the following statements:
It seeks to integrate economic development with national security and technological advancement.
Green and Blue Economy forms one of its identified streams.
Gati Shakti under the framework is exclusively concerned with railway infrastructure.
Soft power is included as one of the streams.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation: Sapta Dhara includes manufacturing, agriculture and food production, technology and innovation, Gati Shakti, defence, Green and Blue Economy, and soft power. Gati Shakti has a much broader connectivity and infrastructure dimension than railways alone.
Q2. Consider the following pairs:
| Sapta Dhara stream | Broad policy domain |
|---|---|
| 1. Defence Power | Strategic capability |
| 2. Green and Blue Economy | Sustainable development and ocean resources |
| 3. Soft Power | Cultural and diplomatic influence |
| 4. Gati Shakti | Infrastructure and connectivity |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. Only three
D. All four
Answer: D
Explanation: All four correctly represent the broad orientation of the Sapta Dhara framework.
Q3. With reference to India's nuclear-energy policy, consider the following statements:
Greater private participation is intended to help expand India's nuclear-energy ecosystem.
Nuclear power can contribute to both energy security and decarbonisation.
Expansion of nuclear power makes renewable energy unnecessary for India's energy transition.
Small Modular Reactors can potentially expand the range of applications of nuclear technology.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: Nuclear energy can provide reliable low-carbon electricity, but it complements rather than eliminates renewable energy. India's nuclear roadmap also includes development and deployment of SMRs.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):
They generally have a smaller unit capacity than conventional large nuclear reactors.
Modular construction can potentially reduce construction time and improve scalability.
SMRs are inherently free from all nuclear safety risks.
They can potentially be deployed in locations where very large conventional reactors may be less suitable.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: SMRs may offer advantages in modularity, scalability and deployment flexibility, but they still require rigorous nuclear safety, regulation, waste management and security arrangements.
Q5. India has announced a long-term nuclear capacity ambition for 2047. Which of the following best explains the strategic significance of this objective?
A. It aims to completely eliminate all fossil-fuel use by 2047.
B. It seeks to combine energy security, low-carbon electricity and technological self-reliance.
C. It intends to replace all renewable-energy capacity with nuclear power.
D. It primarily aims to increase India's uranium exports.
Answer: B
Explanation: Nuclear expansion is being viewed as part of a broader energy-security and decarbonisation strategy, alongside renewables and other energy sources.
Q6. With reference to the 78 Gallantry Awards announced on Independence Day 2026, consider the following:
Kirti Chakra is among the awards announced.
Shaurya Chakra is among the awards announced.
All the awards were conferred on serving military personnel.
Some awards were posthumous.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: The 78 awards included 9 Kirti Chakras and 19 Shaurya Chakras, while 13 were posthumous.
Q7. Which one of the following correctly represents the broad hierarchy of India's wartime and peacetime gallantry decorations?
A. Ashoka Chakra – Kirti Chakra – Shaurya Chakra
B. Kirti Chakra – Ashoka Chakra – Shaurya Chakra
C. Shaurya Chakra – Ashoka Chakra – Kirti Chakra
D. Ashoka Chakra – Shaurya Chakra – Kirti Chakra
Answer: A
Explanation: Among India's peacetime gallantry awards, the order is Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra.
Q8. Consider the following statements regarding Census 2027:
It represents a major shift towards digital data collection.
Self-enumeration is associated with the digital census process.
Census data has implications for welfare planning and resource allocation.
Digital collection eliminates all concerns regarding privacy and data security.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: Digitalisation can improve efficiency and data processing, but it also makes privacy, cybersecurity and responsible data governance important concerns.
Q9. With reference to the Ganges Water Treaty, consider the following statements:
The existing India-Bangladesh Ganges Water Treaty was signed in 1996.
The Farakka Barrage is relevant to the management of Ganges waters.
Ecological flows and salinity are increasingly relevant to the future of the basin.
The treaty concerns only groundwater resources.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: The treaty concerns sharing of surface water flows, not merely groundwater. Climate change, ecological flows and salinity have become increasingly important in the basin.
Q10. The Bab al-Mandab Strait is strategically important because it:
A. connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea
B. connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden
C. connects the Mediterranean Sea directly with the Indian Ocean
D. separates the Persian Gulf from the Gulf of Oman
Answer: B
Explanation: Bab al-Mandab is the maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, making it crucial for Europe–Asia shipping through the Suez route.
Q11. Consider the following sequence of maritime waterways:
Mediterranean Sea → Suez Canal → Red Sea → ? → Gulf of Aden → Indian Ocean
Which one of the following correctly fills the blank?
A. Strait of Hormuz
B. Bab al-Mandab Strait
C. Bosporus Strait
D. Malacca Strait
Answer: B
Explanation: Bab al-Mandab forms the southern gateway of the Red Sea.
Q12. With reference to the Saudi-led multinational maritime defence initiative, consider the following statements:
It focuses on maritime security in the Red Sea region.
The Bab al-Mandab is strategically relevant to the initiative.
Its significance extends to global supply-chain security.
It is primarily a land-border security arrangement.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: The initiative is centred on maritime security, particularly around the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab and Gulf of Aden. Its wider importance comes from the role of these waterways in international shipping.
Q13. Consider the following pairs:
| Chokepoint | Water bodies connected |
|---|---|
| 1. Bab al-Mandab | Red Sea – Gulf of Aden |
| 2. Strait of Hormuz | Persian Gulf – Gulf of Oman |
| 3. Malacca Strait | Andaman Sea – South China Sea |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation: All three are correctly matched and represent major maritime chokepoints relevant to global trade.
Q14. The Oman–Saudi land corridor through the Rub' al Khali is significant primarily because it:
strengthens direct bilateral land connectivity;
crosses one of the world's major desert regions;
provides an alternative logistics route;
eliminates the need for maritime transportation between Asia and Europe.
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: The corridor enhances regional land connectivity and supply-chain diversification. It does not eliminate maritime transportation, particularly for large-volume international trade.
Q15. With reference to the Rub' al Khali, consider the following statements:
It is also known as the Empty Quarter.
It is located in the Arabian Peninsula.
It extends across more than one country.
It is primarily a cold desert.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: Rub' al Khali is a vast hot desert of the Arabian Peninsula and extends mainly across Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE and Yemen.
Q16. With reference to Vande Mataram, consider the following statements:
It was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
It appeared in the novel Anandamath.
It is India's National Song.
It is India's National Anthem.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: Jana Gana Mana is India's National Anthem, while Vande Mataram is the National Song. Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and appeared in Anandamath.
Q17. Consider the following statements regarding India's Blue Economy:
It involves sustainable utilisation of ocean and marine resources.
Fisheries can form part of the Blue Economy.
Marine renewable energy can be associated with the Blue Economy.
Blue Economy is synonymous with deep-sea mining alone.
Which of the above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: Blue Economy is a broad concept covering sustainable ocean-based economic activities, including fisheries, marine transport, tourism, biotechnology and potentially marine renewable energy.
Q18. Consider the following statements about India's energy security:
Heavy dependence on imported crude oil creates vulnerability to external geopolitical shocks.
Diversification of energy sources can reduce such vulnerability.
Strategic petroleum reserves can provide a buffer during supply disruptions.
Increasing renewable-energy capacity automatically eliminates India's need for imported hydrocarbons.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: Renewable expansion reduces fossil-fuel dependence but does not automatically eliminate hydrocarbon imports because transport, petrochemicals and other sectors continue to require petroleum products.
Q19. The term “maritime chokepoint” is best understood as:
A. A deep-sea region where only naval vessels can operate
B. A geographically constrained maritime passage through which a significant volume of international shipping passes
C. A port exclusively used for military purposes
D. A region where international maritime law does not apply
Answer: B
Explanation: Chokepoints such as Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab and Malacca are strategically important because disruption can affect global trade and energy flows.
Q20. Consider the following developments:
Sapta Dhara
Nuclear-sector expansion
Maritime security in the Red Sea
Census 2027
Green and Blue Economy
Which of the above demonstrate the increasing importance of state capacity, technological capability and strategic resilience in India's contemporary policy landscape?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
C. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
D. 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: C
Explanation: All five developments illustrate different dimensions of modern state capacity—development planning, energy security, maritime security, data-driven governance and sustainable resource management.
📌 Answer Key
| Q | Ans | Q | Ans |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 11 | B |
| 2 | D | 12 | B |
| 3 | B | 13 | D |
| 4 | B | 14 | B |
| 5 | B | 15 | B |
| 6 | B | 16 | B |
| 7 | A | 17 | B |
| 8 | B | 18 | B |
| 9 | B | 19 | B |
| 10 | B | 20 | C |
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