Practice 15 UPSC Prelims-level current affairs MCQs for 16 September 2026 with answers and explanations. This daily quiz is useful for UPSC, BPSC and UPPCS preparation with important current-to-static linkages.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 16 September 2026
15 UPSC Prelims-Level MCQs | UPSC • BPSC • UPPCS
Q1. With reference to the recently held VIMARSH DRDO–Industry Synergy Meet, consider the following statements:
1. A framework was launched for sharing DRDO-developed software source codes with licensed industries.
2. The new initiatives seek to provide MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups access to DRDO testing facilities.
3. DRDO–industry collaboration under the initiative is restricted only to final-stage manufacturing.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
VIMARSH introduced measures for funding, incubation, access to testing facilities and secure sharing of DRDO-developed software source codes. Collaboration extends across research, design, testing, certification and manufacturing.
Source: PIB
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding SAMAR 2.0:
1. It is associated with assessment of manufacturing capabilities of defence enterprises.
2. The Quality Council of India is associated with its implementation.
3. Its primary objective is to regulate India's civilian aviation safety standards.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
SAMAR 2.0 benchmarks the manufacturing maturity of domestic defence enterprises. The Quality Council of India is associated with the framework. It is unrelated to civilian aviation regulation.
Source: PIB
Q3. With reference to India–Vietnam relations, consider the following statements:
1. Vietnam is considered an important partner in India's Act East Policy.
2. The two countries have agreed to explore co-production of Indian defence equipment.
3. Vietnam is not a member of ASEAN.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Vietnam is an important partner in India's Act East Policy and is also a member of ASEAN.
Source: The Indian Express
Q4. Consider the following statements about India–Vietnam defence cooperation:
1. India gifted INS Kirpan to Vietnam in 2023.
2. INS Kirpan is an indigenously built missile corvette.
3. India and Vietnam have no institutional mechanism for discussing trade, science and technology cooperation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
INS Kirpan was gifted to Vietnam in 2023. India and Vietnam also have institutional mechanisms covering trade, economy, science and technology.
Source: The Indian Express
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding important energy chokepoints:
1. Saudi Arabia's East–West pipeline can transport oil towards the Red Sea without relying entirely on the Strait of Hormuz.
2. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
3. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf directly with the Mediterranean 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
Show Answer
Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, not the Mediterranean Sea.
Source: Times of India
Q6. India's merchandise trade deficit was much larger than its combined goods-and-services trade deficit. Which of the following best explains this?
- India recorded a services trade surplus that partly offset the merchandise deficit.
- Merchandise imports are excluded from overall trade calculations.
- India classifies crude-oil imports as services.
- Service exports are excluded from the overall trade balance.
Show Answer
A surplus in services trade can partly offset a merchandise trade deficit, making the combined deficit smaller.
Source: PIB
Q7. With reference to India's participation in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, consider the following statements:
1. WorldSkills is associated with vocational and technical skills competitions.
2. India's contingent includes competitors in emerging and new-age skill categories.
3. WorldSkills is a statutory body of the International Labour Organization.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
WorldSkills promotes vocational and occupational excellence but is not a statutory body of the ILO.
Source: PIB
Q8. With reference to TAPAS, consider the following statements:
1. It is an online learning platform associated with the National Institute of Social Defence.
2. The National Institute of Social Defence functions under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
3. TAPAS courses include elderly care, drug-abuse prevention and transgender issues.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
TAPAS provides online learning in important social-defence areas and is associated with the National Institute of Social Defence.
Source: PIB
Q9. Regarding Special Campaign 6 of the Government of India, consider the following statements:
1. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances coordinates the Special Campaigns.
2. The campaign includes emphasis on effective collection, segregation and disposal of e-waste.
3. DARPG functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
DARPG functions under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Source: PIB
Q10. National Engineers' Day is associated with Sir M. Visvesvaraya. Consider the following statements:
1. He served as the Dewan of Mysore.
2. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna.
3. Engineers' Day in India is observed on his birth anniversary.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Sir M. Visvesvaraya served as Dewan of Mysore and received the Bharat Ratna in 1955. Engineers' Day is observed on 15 September.
Source: PIB / The Indian Express
Q11. With reference to Nuakhai, consider the following statements:
1. It is an agrarian festival associated particularly with western Odisha.
2. It is linked with the offering and consumption of newly harvested grain.
3. It is principally a maritime festival celebrating the beginning of India's fishing season.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Nuakhai is an important harvest festival associated especially with western Odisha.
Source: PIB
Q12. With reference to Samvatsari, consider the following statements:
1. It is associated with the Jain tradition.
2. Forgiveness and reconciliation form an important part of its observance.
3. “Michhami Dukkadam” is associated with seeking forgiveness.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Samvatsari is an important Jain observance centred on introspection, reconciliation and forgiveness.
Source: PIB
Q13. Which of the following works are associated with Saratchandra Chattopadhyay?
1. Devdas
2. Parineeta
3. Srikanta
4. Anandamath
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Anandamath was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Source: PIB
Q14. With reference to the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation, consider the following statements:
1. It uses existing Earth-observation satellites of participating BRICS countries.
2. India's Resourcesat-2 and Resourcesat-2A are associated with the arrangement.
3. Every satellite must be jointly manufactured and jointly owned by all BRICS members.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
It is a virtual network using existing national Earth-observation satellites. Joint ownership of each satellite is not required.
Source: The Indian Express
Q15. With reference to the proposed BRICS Continuity and Implementation Mechanism, consider the following statements:
1. It seeks to improve follow-up of BRICS initiatives and summit outcomes.
2. It envisages using the BRICS Troika for continuity.
3. The Troika consists of the previous, current and incoming chairs of BRICS.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
The mechanism seeks continuity and better implementation of BRICS commitments. The Troika comprises the previous, current and incoming chairs.
Source: The Indian Express
