UPSC Daily Quiz 17 September 2026

Answer: d

Explanation:

Scientists recently discovered a new species of conger eel named Ariosoma cmfriense from the deep waters of the Arabian Sea. 

About Ariosoma cmfriense:

• It is a new species of conger eel.
  • Conger eels are powerful fish with an elongated, snake-like body which is smooth and scaleless.
• It was found in the waters off Kollam, Kerala, at a depth of about 300 metres.
• The discovery was made by scientists from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, as part of the research component under the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), a national programme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• Ariosoma cmfriense has several distinct features.
  • These include a relatively low total vertebral count of 135 and 127-130 lateral-line pores.
  • Its preanal length is nearly half its total length.
  • It also has two supraorbital pores and a dorsal fin that begins just ahead of the pectoral fin base.
  • The fish has a plain pectoral fin, a dark patch over the operculum, and fine black speckling below the lateral line, a feature not observed in the other related species.

Hence option d is the correct answer.

News: https://www.etvbharat.com/amp/en/bharat/new-eel-species-discovered-from-arabian-sea-named-after-cmfri-enn26091604765

Answer: c

Explanation:

Tragedy struck Salangabahal village in Odisha when three minor girls drowned in the Sankh river while preparing for the Karma Puja festival recently.

About Sankh River:

• It flows across Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha states in India.
• The river is also known locally as the Shankh River and is a key tributary in the Brahmani River system.
• Course:
  • The river starts 1,000 metres above sea level in the Lupungpat village in Gumla district in Jharkhand and flows 67.5 kilometres in the state before entering Chhattisgarh.
  • It runs a distance of about 50 kilometres in Chhattisgarh and enters Jharkhand again to flow for another 78 kilometres.
  • The river finally enters Odisha and travels another 45 kilometres before merging with the Koel.
  • The South Koel enters Odisha and joins the Sankh River at Vedavyas near Rourkela, from where it is called the Brahmani.
• Total Length: 240 km
• A major feature along its course is the 60-metre-high Sadni Falls located at the edge of the Ranchi plateau, known as a scarp or knick-line waterfall.

Hence option c is the correct answer.

News:https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2026/Sep/16/odisha-three-girls-drown-in-sankh-river-during-karma-puja-preparations-in-sundargarh

Answer: a

Explanation:

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims it shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Qeshm Island in southern Iran using an advanced air defence system recently.

About MQ-9 Reaper:

• The MQ-9 Reaper (Reaper MQ-9A) is an armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
• It is developed by the American company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (a United States-based aerospace and defence company), primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF).
• It is an upgraded version of the MQ-1 Predator and was first deployed in Afghanistan in October 2007.
• It is used for strategic and operational reconnaissance, battlefield surveillance, and can directly engage targets.
• Features:
  • It has a wingspan of 66 feet (20 meters) and endurance of more than 27 hours.
  • It is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and triple redundant avionics system architecture
  • It is powered by a turboprop engine, integrated with Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC), which significantly improves engine performance and fuel efficiency, particularly at low altitudes.
  • It cruises at roughly 322 to 370 kilometers per hour and can fly at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters), giving it reach across wide areas of operation.
  • It can be armed with air-to-ground Hellfire missiles as well as laser-guided bombs.
  • It is remotely operated by a two-person team consisting of a pilot and an aircrew member who operates sensors and guides weapons.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/international/mq-9-hunt-continues-irgc-claims-52nd-u-s-reaper-destroyed-over-qeshm-island/videoshow/134282746.cms

Answer: a

Explanation:

For decades, China has been planting trees and other vegetation around the edges of the Taklamakan Desert, one of the world’s largest and driest deserts, in an effort to stop desertification and hold back shifting sand.

About Taklamakan Desert:

• The Taklamakan Desert, located in southwest Xinjiang in northwest China, is one of the world’s largest sandy deserts.
• It sits right in the middle of the largest inland basin in China—the Tarim Basin.
• The desert area extends about 960 km from west to east, and it has a maximum width of some 420 km and a total area of approximately 320,000 sq.km.
• It is the world’s second-largest shifting-sand desert, and 85% of its total area is composed of crescent-shaped dunes.
• It is flanked by two towering mountain ranges–Tien Shan to the north and Kunlun mountain ranges to the south.
• It also has the Pamir Mountains and Tian Shan (ancient Mount Imeon) to the west and the famed Gobi Desert to the east.
• There is a gradual transition to the Lop Nur basin in the east; in the south and west, between the sandy desert and the mountains, lies a band of sloping desert lowland composed of pebble-detritus deposits.
• The place has a typical continental climate with strong gusts of wind, very little precipitation, and a significant shift in temperature from daytime to nighttime and vice versa.
• The continuously shifting nature of the sand in the desert has extended Taklamakan to about 100 km southward during the last thousand years.
• There are also small mountain ranges in the desert as well as the Tarim River that flows through its Northern edge.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.moneycontrol.com/science/you-may-think-planting-billions-of-trees-is-good-for-the-planet-china-s-desert-experiment-shows-why-it-s-not-that-simple-article-14024059.html#google_vignette

Answer: b

Explanation:

Authorities will undertake spatial mapping and field verification of military installations within the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary in Ladakh in coordination with police and the defence establishment, officials said recently.

About Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is located in the Ladakhi Changthang plateau in the Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It covers an area of almost 4,000 sq.km.
• The altitude of the sanctuary varies from 14000 to 19000 feet, and the topography is formed of deep gorges and vast plateaus.
• It is home to the highest altitude water lakes, namely, Tso Moriri, Pangong Tso, and Tso Kar.
• The Changthang region is inhabited by nomadic pastoral communities, primarily the Changpa tribe, who lead a traditional way of life herding yaks, goats, and sheep across the vast grasslands.
• This region is steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture and heritage.
• It includes one of the world’s highest villages, Korzok Village, which attracts tourists to the Korzok Monastery.
• Flora: It is home to almost 200 species of wild plants that grow in the higher pastures and are food for the animals inside the sanctuary.
• Fauna:
  • The major attraction of this place is the Snow Leopard.
  • Along with that, it is one of the few places in India which is the abode of the Kiang, or Tibetan wild ass, along with the dark-necked crane.
  • It also houses a huge variety of animal species, which include the Tibetan Wolf, Wild Yak, Bharal, Brown Bear, Tibetan Argali, Tibetan Gazelle, and the Mormot.
  • It also serves as the habitat for numerous species of avifauna, including Brahminy Ducks and Brown Headed Gulls, etc.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

News: https://theprint.in/india/administration-orders-spatial-mapping-of-changthang-wildlife-sanctuary-in-ladakh/3044902/

Answer: a

Explanation:  

Recently, the Vice-President of India addressed the 25th Anniversary celebrations of Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) at Sapru House, New Delhi. 

About Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA):

• Origin: It was established in 1943 by a group of Indian intellectuals as a think tank.
  • It was registered as a non-official, non-political and non-profit organisation under the Registration of Societies Act 1860.
  • By an Act of Parliament in 2001, the Indian Council of World Affairs has been declared an institution of national importance.
  • It was established by a group of eminent intellectuals led by Sir T.B. Sapru and Dr. H.N. Kunzru to create an Indian perspective on international relations and foreign policy issues. 
• The Vice President of India is the ex-officio President of ICWA.
• It is funded by the Ministry of External Affairs and enjoys full autonomy.
• Functions: It is devoted exclusively for the study of international relations and foreign affairs.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2310401&reg=48&lang=2

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, the Pallar paddy fields at Tirunavaya in Malappuram , Kerala has turned white with the arrival of a large flock of Black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus).

About Black-headed Ibis:

• It is a species of wading bird of the ibis family Threskiornithidae.
• It is also known as the Oriental white ibis, Indian white ibis, and black-necked ibis.
• Adaptability: These are called wader birds due to their adaptability to a wide variety of aquatic environments.
• Habitat: Found primarily around wetlands including agricultural fields and occasionally around coastal areas, but also seen foraging in dry fields and human-modified landscapes.
• Distribution: It is found in South- and Southeast Asia from India to the west and as far east as Japan.
• Features of Black-headed Ibis:
  • It is a large wader bird, with adults measuring 65–76 cm in length. 
  • It is the only native ibis species in its range that has an overall white plumage with a black neck and head. 
  • Males and females look similar and both have greyish tail feathers. 
  • Tails of adults bear light grey ornamental feathers that turn jet black during the breeding season. 
• Conservation Status: It is classified as ‘Least Concern’ under the IUCN Red List.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/pallar-fields-in-malappuram-come-alive-as-rare-ibis-arrive-in-flocks/article71473154.ece

Answer: c

Explanation:

Legendary actor Anant Nag, known for his impressive work in Hindi and Kannada cinema will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024.

About Dadasaheb Phalke Award:

• It is given by the Indian government for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.
• It was instituted in 1969 the birth centenary year of Dadasaheb Phalke.
• It is the highest award in the field of cinema in India.
• It was introduced by the Government of India to commemorate Dadasaheb Phalke’s contribution to Indian cinema.
• The award’s inaugural recipient was Devika Rani, aptly titled “the first lady of Indian cinema”.
• The recipients are recognized for their ‘outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema’.
• Award includes: The award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.
• It is presented by the President of India. 

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/actor-anant-nag-to-be-honoured-with-dadasaheb-phalke-award/article71472645.ece

Answer: b

Explanation:

According to the index released by NITI Aayog, Delhi topped India’s states and Union territories in the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025, scoring 84.

About Electric Mobility Index:

• It is a composite Index, which assesses the policy framework and implementation outcomes for e-mobility at the state-level.
• It is developed by the NITI Aayog in collaboration with WRI India.
• It evaluates and scores all Indian States and UTs out of 100 across 16 indicators under three-core themes: 
  • Transport Electrification Progress to capture demand-side adoption 
  • Charging Infrastructure Readiness to track allied charging infrastructure development
  • EV Research and Innovation Status: Covers supply-side ecosystem R&D efforts.
• Based on the score, each State or UT was classified into one of the following classes: 
  • Top Performers: score ≥65
  • Frontrunners: score of 50–64
  • Emerging Performers: score of 35–49
  • Aspirants: score <35

Hence only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

News: https://indianexpress.com/article/business/niti-aayog-india-electric-mobility-index-2025-delhi-tops-ev-rankings-10880938/

Answer: c

Explanation:  

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated and implemented indigenous Gallium Nitride Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (GaN MMIC) Technology.

About Gallium Nitride Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (GaN MMIC) Technology:

• It is a tiny, super-powerful computer chip built on a special chemical material that handles extremely high-frequency wireless signals without melting.
• It’s an all-in-one chip that combines tiny parts—like transistors, resistors, and capacitors—onto a single piece of material to manage invisible wireless waves (microwaves).
• It is designed for applications up to the X-band frequency range.
• Origin: DRDO developed the GaN MMIC technology in 2024 and helped India quietly entered an elite club of seven countries — US, Russia, France, Germany, South Korea, China

Why is GaN important?

• It is a material with exceptional thermal and electrical properties, making it critical for advanced defence applications such as sensors, radars, satellites, and missiles.
• A single indigenous GaN chip, measuring 3.5 x 3 mm can deliver up to 30 watts of power and operate at speeds 300 times faster than silicon.
• Gallium Nitride (GaN) is considered one of the most important semiconductor technologies for modern defence systems.
• It offers: Higher power output, Better energy efficiency, Faster signal processing, Reduced size and weight, Improved thermal performance, Greater reliability in harsh environments.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/drdo-has-developed-indigenous-gan-tech-for-next-gen-radars-electronic-warfare-def-min-report/articleshow/134269616.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst