UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | January 11 to January 17, 2026

2. The vessel has been constructed using stitched-plank construction without the use of modern nails or metal fastenings.

3. It has triangular sails.

4. It has been constructed by artisans and traditional shipwrights from the northeastern states of India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

UPSC Prelims is increasingly focusing on India’s civilisational continuity, indigenous technologies, and process-based understanding rather than static facts. Questions on INSV Kaundinya require linking ancient history, traditional shipbuilding techniques, maritime trade, and contemporary Navy-led initiatives, reflecting UPSC’s integrated approach.

Explanation

— The ‘stitched ship’ Indian Navy Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya sailed into Muscat’s Port Sultan Qaboos and into the history books – completing its maiden voyage and retracing ancient maritime routes.

— The ‘stitched’ ship – modelled on a fifth-century vessel depicted in a painting in the Ajanta caves – set sail from Porbandar on December 29, embarking on a historic voyage to Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The vessel has been constructed using ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques, including stitched-plank construction without the use of modern nails or metal fastenings. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— It has been constructed by artisans and traditional shipwrights from Kerala using coconut fibre stitching, traditional wooden joinery, coir rope and natural resins, and powered by cotton sails. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

— Unlike modern sailing ships, it has square sails, no engine or propulsion and is aided by trailing oars and the wind. The ship is named after a legendary Indian mariner ‘Kaundinya’, who is believed to have sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

With reference to the third-stage of PSLV, consider the following statements:

1. The liquid fuel in the third stage is burned and converted into gas.

2. In the third stage, the vehicle moves completely vertical.

3. The velocity of the vehicle in the third stage is lower than in the first and second stages.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

UPSC Prelims is increasingly focusing on conceptual understanding of technological processes rather than rote facts. Questions on PSLV stages require clarity on propulsion types, flight trajectory, and velocity build-up, helping candidates avoid common traps created by intuitive but incorrect statements.

Explanation

— The third stage is tricky. If a rocket is unable to attain the required velocity, it will be unable to maintain orbit around the Earth and get pulled down due to gravity. That is what seems to have happened with the PSLV-C61 mission last year.

— In the third stage, the vehicle is moving almost entirely horizontally, going around the Earth in an orbit, or rather a sub-orbital trajectory. To maintain this trajectory, and avoid falling towards the Earth, it needs to travel at very high velocities, usually 26,000 to 28,000 km per hour. The third stage is, therefore, about rapid acceleration. The PSLV rocket burns solid fuel to achieve this. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— The vehicle’s velocity increases progressively with each stage. Therefore, the velocity during the third stage is higher, not lower, than in the first and second stages. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— The solid fuel in the third stage is burned and converted into gas. This gas causes an increase in pressure in the combustion chamber. The gas is then released through a small nozzle to provide the thrust required to propel the rocket to higher speeds. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

Who will be the Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations?

1. President of the European Council

2. Secretary General of NATO

3. President of the European Commission

4. President of Russia

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 4 only

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

Aspirants should pay attention to this question because UPSC Prelims increasingly tests current affairs with strong linkage to India’s foreign policy priorities and institutional diplomacy.

Explanation

— The President of the European Council, António Luís Santos da Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will be Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced.

— According to a government release, the two leaders will be on a State Visit to India from January 25 to 27, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

— The summit is expected to focus on advancing cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest as part of the India-EU Strategic Partnership.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

Consider the following statements:

1. The Central Vigilance Commission has a Central Vigilance Commissioner and five Vigilance Commissioners.

2. The Vigilance Commissioners have a term of five years or till they reach the age of 65 years.

3. It was established in 1964 as a result of the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

UPSC Prelims tests institutional depth rather than surface-level polity facts. Questions on bodies like the CVC require clarity on composition, tenure, and historical evolution, where UPSC often uses numerical and tenure-related traps.

Explanation

— Former Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Praveen Vashista, who took voluntary retirement, was appointed Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission.

— As per the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, the commission has a Central Vigilance Commissioner and two Vigilance Commissioners. The Vigilance Commissioners have a term of four years or till they reach the age of 65 years. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are not correct.

— The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an apex governmental body in India that is responsible for promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in the country’s public administration. It was established in 1964 as a result of the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

(Other Source: cvc.gov.in)

QUESTION 5

Consider the following statements:

1. It has the world’s largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros.

2. It is located on the Brahmaputra floodplains.

3. National Highway 715 (earlier NH-37) runs through this National Park.

The above-mentioned statements refer to:

(a) Kaziranga National Park

(b) Manas National Park

(c) Orang National Park

(d) Dibru–Saikhowa National Park

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

Aspirants should practice such questions as UPSC Prelims increasingly frame environment and geography questions through integrated clues rather than direct naming. This question requires linking species distribution, riverine geomorphology, and infrastructure geography.

Explanation

— Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off on Sunday a 34.5-kilometre elevated corridor in Assam’s Kaziranga, which, according to experts and forest officials, is expected to be a long-term solution to the increasing problem of animals being hit by heavy traffic in the national park.

— The Kaziranga National Park, which has the world’s largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros and is home to 37 species of mammals and nearly 500 species of birds, is located on the Brahmaputra floodplains in Central Assam’s Nagaon and Eastern Assam’s Golaghat districts. National Highway 715 (earlier NH-37) — a crucial roadway connecting Tezpur, a major town on the North Bank of the Brahmaputra, to towns in Eastern Assam — forms the southern boundary of the national park, and across it lie the hills of Karbi Anglong.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 6

With reference to the polar bears, consider the following statements:

1. They are carnivorous.

2. Polar Bears are skilled swimmers.

3. Polar bears have black skin.

4. The external layer of fur is made of keratin, which has light-reflecting properties.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 2 and 4 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

Aspirants should practice such questions because UPSC Prelims increasingly tests precision in scientific terminology. Practicing such questions sharpens source-based verification, conceptual accuracy, and cautious elimination, which are decisive in clearing Prelims where even well-known facts are framed with subtle traps.

Explanation

— Polar Bears have black skin. Their fur is hollow and transparent, with no white pigment coating the shaft. However, they have a double coat of fur for protection, along with a thick layer of body fat. The external layer of fur, made of keratin, has light-reflecting properties. Hence, statements 3 and 4 are correct.

(AI generated image)

— When the sun hits a polar bear‘s fur, light rays are trapped inside, creating a luminescent effect that gives it an off-white shade. The colour helps polar bears camouflage with the Arctic surroundings and icy environment. The body fat layer keeps them warm when swimming in chilly water and helps insulate them from snowy blizzards and rough weather.

— A carnivorous member of the bear family, Polar bears feed on fatty seals for fat and energy to survive in harsh weather conditions. Their stomachs have a large food storage capacity and high protein and fat absorption. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Polar bears are skilled swimmers, moving through water at speeds up to six miles an hour. They are often considered marine mammals because of their time spent on sea ice, waddling through the icy waters of the Arctic with their webbed front paws and hind legs. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 7

With reference to the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), consider the following statements:

1. They are required to transact in securities in India only on the basis of taking and giving delivery of securities purchased or sold.

2. They can square-off their transactions intra-day.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

Aspirants should take such questions because FPIs are large institutional players. UPSC often tests awareness of regulatory restrictions on foreign capital, especially differences between FPIs and domestic investors.

Explanation

— In order to enhance operational efficiency and reduce cost of funding for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Friday proposed to allow netting of funds for transactions carried out by foreign investors in the cash market.

— Netting of funds means using the proceeds of sale transactions in the cash market on a particular day to fund the purchase transactions in the cash market done by an FPI on the same day, thereby requiring FPI to fulfill only the net fund obligation.

— As per regulations, FPIs are required to transact in securities in India only on the basis of taking and giving delivery of securities purchased or sold. Also, institutional investors are not allowed to do day trading i.e., square-off their transactions intra-day. All transactions are grossed at custodians’ level and investors are required to fulfill their obligations on a gross basis. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is not correct.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 8

The term ‘ Labour Force Participation Rate’ is:

(a) the percentage of a population more than 15 years of age that is either employed or actively seeking work, representing the supply of labour.

(b) the percentage of the working-age population that is currently employed.

(c) the ratio of total workers to the total population, irrespective of age.

(d) the proportion of unemployed persons to the total labour force.

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

Aspirants should take such questions for practice because UPSC frequently tests labour and employment indicators by using closely worded definitions to check conceptual clarity. Distinguishing LFPR from Work Participation Rate (WPR) and Unemployment Rate is essential, especially in questions linked to PLFS data, demographic dividend, and economic policy debates.

Explanation

— India’s Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) rose to a new high of 56.1 per cent in December, according to the statistics ministry’s latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), contributing to a slight increase in the unemployment rate to 4.8 per cent from November’s 4.7 per cent

— Within rural, men led the search for jobs, with the male LFPR rising 60 bps to 79.3 per cent, while that of females rose 40 bps to 40.1 per cent. In urban areas, the LFPR either declined or was unchanged across all segments: males, females, as well as young men and women (aged 15-29 years). This led to the overall urban LFPR falling to 50.2 per cent from 50.4 per cent in November.

— The rise in rural LFPR in December did not lead to a decline in the segment’s unemployment rate, which stayed steady at 3.9 per cent for those aged 15 years and above. However, the jobless rate rose 20 bps to 12.6 per cent for rural youth. In urban areas, the unemployment rate rose to 6.7 per cent from 6.5 per cent even though the LFPR fell.

— The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is the percentage of a population more than 15 years of age that is either employed or actively seeking work, representing the supply of labour.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 9

The ‘Sela Lake’ was in the news. It is located in:

(a) Sikkim

(b) Assam

(c) Meghalaya

(d) Arunachal Pradesh

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

UPSC often asks about geographical features (lakes, passes, rivers) in connection with current affairs events, such as accidents or environmental issues. Practising this improves your ability to quickly eliminate distractor options in MCQs by tying a specific location to its terrain, region, and strategic importance.

Explanation

— The bodies of two young tourists from Kerala have been retrieved from the high-altitude Sela Lake in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang, after three from their group fell in on Friday when the frozen surface of the lake cracked when they ventured on to it.

The Sela Lake is located at an altitude of over 13,000 feet above sea level. (Wikimedia Commons)

— The Sela Lake is located at an altitude of over 13,000 feet above sea level and is among multiple high-altitude lakes frequented by tourists in Tawang. With the surfaces of these lakes freezing in the winter sub-zero minimum temperatures of the region, the district administration had issued advisories in December to tourists to not step on the frozen lakes.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 10

With reference to the Nipah Virus, consider the following statements:

1. It is an infection that mainly affects animals.

2. Nipah cannot spread to humans even after close contact with infected animals.

3. There are no antivirals for Nipah Virus.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

Aspirants should practice such questions as UPSC increasingly tests zoonotic diseases with public health significance. Understanding transmission modes, animal reservoirs, and treatment. It also builds awareness of emerging infectious diseases, which is crucial for both Prelims and Mains.

Explanation

— Nipah is a viral infection that mainly affects animals such as bats, pigs, dogs, and horses. Being zoonotic, it can jump to humans who come in contact with the infected animals and cause serious disease. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Nipah can transmit to humans by intimate contact with sick animals or virus-containing fluids found on fruit trees, fruits, date palm sap, juice, or toddy. It can be transmitted from person to person via close contact at home or in hospitals. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test can detect nipah virus in nasal or throat swabs, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine, or blood samples. Doctors can diagnose the infection in its late stages or after recovery by analysing your blood for specific antibodies using the ELISA test.

— There are no antivirals and just symptomatic treatment. Drinking water, resting, taking medication to reduce nausea or vomiting, inhalers and nebulisers for breathing, and anti-seizure medication in severe cases are the current alternatives. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 11

With reference to the unusually dry winter conditions observed over the Himalayan and north-western regions of India, consider the following statements:

1. Western Disturbances are extratropical weather systems that primarily originate over the Mediterranean region and generally bring winter precipitation to north and northwest India.

2. The impact of Western Disturbances on winter rainfall over northern India depends not only on their frequency but also on their intensity and interaction with available moisture.

3. Winter precipitation associated with Western Disturbances is crucial both for rabi crop productivity in the plains and for groundwater recharge in the Himalayan region.

4. The interaction of Western Disturbances with moisture-laden easterly or westerly winds from the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea enhances precipitation over the Himalayas through wind confluence.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 3 and 4 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

Aspirants should take such questions seriously because UPSC Prelims increasingly tests understanding of processes, not isolated facts. Questions like these require linking climatology with agriculture, hydrology, and current affairs, which is exactly how UPSC frames high-quality MCQs. Mastering such integrated questions improves conceptual clarity, elimination skills, and accuracy under pressure. All these are crucial for clearing Prelims in a tightly competitive environment.

Explanation

— In December and January, Uttarakhand received no rainfall at all, Himachal Pradesh recorded the sixth-lowest rainfall in December since 1901, while Jammu & Kashmir received very little rain and snow in January, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

— As a result, the Himalayan states have unusually bare and snowless mountain peaks this winter, raising concerns over growing unpredictability in seasonal precipitation, water security, forest fire vulnerability and agricultural productivity.

— It has been a dry winter for India as a whole, with the country receiving less than one-fourth of the rainfall that is expected in the first half of January. But the northwest region was particularly hit, getting just 8 per cent of the rain expected during this period.

— Experts say that winters in the Himalayan states like Uttarakhand have been getting increasingly dry over the past decade. “During the last ten years, there have been four occasions when Uttarakhand received very little rain in January. This indicates that this trend is becoming common,” IMD Dehradun director C S Tomar said.

— The 2024-25 winter season had seen rainfall deficiency of 96 per cent in the northwestern region. Studies have shown a marginal declining trend in the winter season rainfall over some pockets of north India.

— During winters, the north and northwest India regions normally experience light to moderate intensity rainfall mainly triggered by the passing streams of western disturbances. This precipitation is particularly vital for the rabi crops cultivated along the plains and supported by irrigation. In the higher altitudes, snow or rainfall is key for the recharge of the groundwater aquifers.

— In December and January, streams of passing western disturbances normally interact with moisture-laden easterly or westerly winds coming in from either the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea. This creates a wind confluence that happens normally over the Himalayas. It results in precipitation in the form of snow or rainfall.

— But this year, the western disturbances have not been strong enough to trigger a rainfall event. In December, eight western disturbance streams (against normal of six) crossed the northern-most Indian region, but produced little rain.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 12

“Orobanche”, recently seen in the news, refers to:

(a) A stem-boring insect pest affecting rice and maize crops in South Asia

(b) A root-parasitic flowering weed threatening mustard yields in key Indian states

(c) A Himalayan medicinal herb under threat due to climate change

(d) A fungal disease affecting oilseed crops worldwide

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

Aspirants should not ignore such news as agriculture remains a high-weight area in UPSC Prelims, especially issues affecting crop yields and food security. These questions become difficult because the options are closely worded and demand precise understanding and careful elimination, not just surface-level reading of current affairs.

Explanation

— It is India’s largest indigenous edible oil source farmed in nearly nine million hectares – mainly Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and West Bengal. But mustard is also a crop increasingly susceptible to infestation by Orobanche aegyptiaca. This is a parasitic weed that attaches to the roots of mustard plants and extracts nutrients, carbon and water from them. By depriving the host crop of these, it causes wilting, yellowing and stunted growth of the plants and, thereby, lower mustard seed yields.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 13

With reference to the Shaksgam Valley (Trans Karakoram Tract), consider the following statements:

1. It lies to the north of the Siachen Glacier and forms part of the Hunza-Gilgit region.

2. The territory was ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963, though it is claimed by India.

3. China’s strategic interest in the region began only after the 1962 India-China war.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

This question integrates physical and political geography (Siachen, Aksai Chin, Shaksgam Valley) with international relations involving India, Pakistan, and China. It is tough because UPSC tests timeline awareness and overlapping territorial claims rather than isolated facts. Aspirants relying only on static maps without current geopolitical context may fall into option traps.

Explanation

— During the MEA’s media briefing on Friday, a reporter asked about Chinese infrastructure build-up under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and in the Shaksgam Valley. Jaiswal replied, “Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory. We have never recognised the so-called China-Pakistan boundary agreement that happened in 1963. We have consistently maintained that the agreement is illegal and invalid. We do not recognize the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor either, which passes through Indian territory that is under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan.”

— He added, “The entire union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India. This has been clearly conveyed to Pakistani and the Chinese authorities several times. We have consistently protested with the Chinese side against attempts to alter the ground reality in Shaksgam Valley. We further reserve the right to take necessary measures to safeguard our interests.”

Shaksgam Valley

— Shaksgam Valley, or the Trans Karakoram Tract, is part of the Hunza-Gilgit region occupied by Pakistan and lies to the north of the Siachen glacier. Spread over more than 5,000 sq km, its terrain and climatic conditions make it difficult for human habitation. While it is claimed by India, Pakistan used to control it.

— Pakistan ceded it to China in 1963, but China has attempted to assert itself in this region even earlier. Although India has always considered Aksai Chin to be part of J&K, in the 1950s, the Chinese built a highway connecting Tibet with Xinjiang through the region, which was more easily accessible to the Chinese than to the Indians. China has since claimed Aksai Chin to be part of Hotan county of its Xinjiang province.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 14

What is “World Liberty Financial”, recently seen in the news?

(a) A United Nations fund for global debt relief

(b) A cryptocurrency-related finance venture

(c) A new IMF digital currency initiative

(d) A global microfinance programme for small businesses

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

Such terms test whether aspirants are updated with current affairs involving global finance. The use of the word “World” can be misleading and push aspirants towards international bodies like the UN or IMF. UPSC often frames options to trap those relying only on static knowledge without tracking news-based developments.

Explanation

— The Pakistan government announced Wednesday (January 14) that it has signed an agreement with World Liberty Financial, a crypto company linked with US President Donald Trump, to explore the use of its stablecoin for international payments.

— In a statement, Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA) said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SC Financial Technologies, a company it described as an “affiliated entity” of World Liberty.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 15

“Jamma Bane”, recently seen in the news, refers to:

(a) A traditional irrigation practice in South India

(b) A hereditary land tenure system in parts of Karnataka

(c) A forest conservation programme for Western Ghats

(d) A tribal self-governance institution

Why this question for UPSC Prelims 2026?

Such topics often test aspirants’ awareness of current affairs linked with static knowledge in polity, governance, and geography. UPSC frequently asks factual identification questions on terms seen in the news. Do not view it as merely regional news if it makes a national headline, it becomes important.

Explanation

— The Karnataka government has amended its land revenue law to modernise an age-old system of land records in the scenic Coorg region, home to the indigenous Kodava community.

— Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot gave his assent to the Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025 on January 7, and the state government issued a gazette notification the following day.

— The amendment is aimed at modernising the land records for the unique Jamma Bane land holdings in Coorg, which is now in Kodagu district.

— In this region, families have passed down land grants from the time of the British and Kodava kings for generations. But the records contained the names of original grantees (pattedars) even when bequeathed to new generations.

— The absence of officially recognised land ownership documents made it difficult for current owners to buy or sell land or to secure bank loans. The Jamma Bane tenure is a form of land holding prevalent in Kodagu district which is distinctly different from other classes of land holdings in the state. The word Jamma means hereditary.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Previous Weekly Quiz

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | January 04 to January 10, 2026

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | December 28, 2025 to January 03, 2026

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | December 21 to December 27, 2025

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | December 14 to December 20, 2025

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz | December 07 to December 13, 2025

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