UPSC current affairs quiz, 23 October 2026

With reference to the UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2026, consider the following statements:
1. It says global emissions must fall 18% below 2025 levels by 2030 on the lowest-overshoot pathway.
2. It projects that full delivery of current NDCs would hold warming below 2°C this century.
3. Its lowest-overshoot pathway returns warming below 1.5°C by the end of the century.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following statements about the Emissions Gap Report 2026:
1. It is published by the UN Environment Programme.
2. It found that global greenhouse gas emissions fell sharply in 2025.
3. It found that the United States recorded the largest emissions increase of any country in 2025.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The Emissions Gap Report 2026 says that limiting warming to 1.5°C with no or limited overshoot is no longer possible.
Statement-II: Even full delivery of current NDCs would cut global emissions by only 5 to 8% by 2030, far short of the 18% needed.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Consider the following statements about the Paris Agreement:
1. It was adopted at COP21 in December 2015.
2. It requires parties to communicate NDCs every five years.
3. Its first global stocktake took place in 2023.
4. It sets legally binding emission targets only for developed countries.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

On the lowest-overshoot pathway in the Emissions Gap Report 2026, roughly how much carbon dioxide must be removed and permanently stored this century?

1. 32 billion tonnes
2. 120 billion tonnes
3. 320 billion tonnes
4. 1,000 billion tonnes

According to the Emissions Gap Report 2026, which of the following warming projections are correct?
1. Current policies: about 2.8°C this century
2. All NDCs plus net-zero targets: about 2.1°C
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to India-Poland relations, consider the following statements:
1. The two countries upgraded their ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2024.
2. Poland has supported India's candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2028-29.
3. Poland is a member of the Visegrad Group.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following statements about the India-Poland joint statement of 22 October 2026:
1. It proposed a Defence Industry Dialogue.
2. It announced the signing of a Social Security Agreement.
3. It recorded Poland's decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The goal of doubling India-Poland trade by 2030 depends on the India-EU free trade agreement.
Statement-II: As an EU member, Poland's external trade policy is set at the level of the European Union.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Consider the following:
1. Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
2. International Solar Alliance
3. Global Biofuels Alliance
4. Quad
How many of the above did India invite Poland to join in the October 2026 joint statement?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

The 'Good Maharaja', remembered in Poland for sheltering Polish children during the Second World War, was the ruler of

1. Kolhapur
2. Baroda
3. Nawanagar
4. Mysore

Which of the following statements about India's trade with Poland is/are correct?
1. Bilateral trade in 2025 was above $6 billion.
2. Poland runs a trade surplus with India.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India, consider the following statements:
1. It is constituted under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
2. Three of its six members are nominated by the Central Government.
3. Its minutes are published on the 14th day after each meeting.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following statements about the October 2026 MPC decision:
1. The repo rate hike was decided by a 4-2 vote.
2. The stance was changed from neutral to calibrated tightening.
3. The minutes say rate cuts are off the table in the near term.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Some MPC members argued for acting before definitive evidence of generalised inflation emerged.
Statement-II: Once inflation spreads to wages and expectations, it becomes harder to bring down.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Consider the following about the composition of the MPC:
1. The RBI Governor chairs it.
2. The Union Finance Secretary is an ex officio member.
3. External members serve a non-renewable four-year term.
4. The Governor has a casting vote in case of a tie.
How many of the above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Which MPC member said in October 2026 that inflation 'does not show any signs of overheating of the economy nor of generalisation'?

1. Sanjay Malhotra
2. Saugata Bhattacharya
3. Nagesh Kumar
4. Indranil Bhattacharyya

Which of the following statements about the RBI's October 2026 projections is/are correct?
1. CPI inflation for 2026-27 is projected at 5.2%.
2. Inflation in October to December 2026 is projected to breach the 6% upper tolerance limit.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), consider the following statements:
1. The decision to set it up was taken at COP27.
2. The World Bank decides which countries receive money from it.
3. Its first allocation was for Nepal.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following statements about the FRLD decision on Nepal:
1. It was taken at an extraordinary board meeting held online.
2. The $20 million was paid to Nepal immediately.
3. Germany and Czechia said the decision should not set a precedent.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The FRLD's allocation for Nepal covers less than 1% of Nepal's estimated recovery needs.
Statement-II: The FRLD caps support at $20 million per request.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Consider the following rivers:
1. Bhotekoshi
2. Trishuli
3. Narayani
4. Karnali
How many of the above were part of the river system hit by the debris flow of 26 August 2026 in Nepal?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Which one of the following best describes 'loss and damage' in climate negotiations?

1. Funding to cut greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries
2. Harm from climate change that mitigation and adaptation could not prevent
3. Penalties paid by countries that miss their NDC targets
4. Insurance for industries affected by carbon pricing

Which of the following statements about the FRLD is/are correct?
1. It was operationalised at COP28 in Dubai.
2. The Philippines hosts its board.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to election disputes in India, consider the following statements:
1. An election to a State Legislative Assembly can be challenged by an election petition in the High Court.
2. Undue influence is a corrupt practice under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
3. Violation of an Election Commission advisory is by itself a ground in the Act for declaring an election void.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following statements about the Madras High Court ruling of October 2026:
1. It held that the use of children in the campaign amounted to a corrupt practice.
2. It held that the party leader's appeal could not be attributed to the candidate.
3. It said the question of prohibiting such conduct was for Parliament to consider.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The Madras High Court could not set aside the Salem North election on the ground that the EC's 2024 advisory on children was violated.
Statement-II: An election can be declared void only on the grounds listed in Section 100 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Under the Election Commission's advisory of 5 February 2024, which of the following are prohibited?
1. Carrying a child in a vehicle during a rally
2. Using children to recite poems or songs for a party
3. A child simply accompanying a parent near a leader without any campaigning
4. Displaying party symbols through children
How many of the above are prohibited?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

For an act of undue influence to void an election under the RP Act, 1951, by whom must it be committed?

1. Any member of the public
2. Any office-bearer of the candidate's party
3. The candidate, the candidate's agent or a person acting with the consent of the candidate or election agent
4. Only the candidate personally

Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child gives children the right to express their views on matters affecting them.
2. India has not ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2