Current Affairs Quiz 01 June 2026

Q1. With reference to Exercise Pragati 2026, consider the following statements:

1. It was a bilateral military exercise conducted between India and Vietnam.
2. The exercise was conducted in Umroi, Meghalaya.
3. The exercise focused on counter-insurgency and interoperability among participating countries.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Exercise Pragati 2026 was a multilateral military exercise involving armed forces from 13 countries, not a bilateral exercise between India and Vietnam.
• Statement 2 is correct: The exercise was conducted at Umroi in Meghalaya, highlighting the strategic importance of Northeast India under India’s Act East Policy.
• Statement 3 is correct: Major focus areas included:
  • Counter-insurgency operations
  • Interoperability
  • Special operations
  • IED detection
  • Mutual trust-building among Indo-Pacific partners.

Q2. Which of the following are considered major advantages of polymer banknotes over conventional paper currency?

1. Longer circulation lifespan
2. Improved anti-counterfeiting security
3. Greater resistance to dirt and moisture
4. Automatic elimination of cash-based corruption

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Polymer notes are preferred because they offer:
  • Longer durability
  • Enhanced security features
  • Resistance to environmental wear
    compared to paper notes.
• They can include:
  • Transparent windows
  • Embedded holograms
  • Micro-optic security devices,
    making counterfeiting more difficult.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: Polymer notes do not automatically eliminate corruption or black-money transactions. UPSC often includes exaggerated governance claims as traps.

Q3. Which among the following countries became the first foreign buyer of the BrahMos missile system?

A. Vietnam
B. Indonesia
C. Philippines
D. Malaysia

Answer: C. Philippines

Explanation:

• Philippines became the first foreign customer of the BrahMos missile system after signing a deal reportedly worth nearly $375 million for shore-based anti-ship missile batteries.
• The agreement marked a major milestone in India’s emergence as a defence exporter.
• Vietnam and Indonesia are currently negotiating or finalising similar deals.

Q4. Which of the following factors contribute significantly to high amphibian diversity in Northeast India?

1. Rugged mountain terrain
2. Ecological isolation of hill-stream ecosystems
3. High rainfall and dense forest cover
4. Extensive desert ecosystems

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Northeast India’s rich amphibian diversity is linked to:
  • Rugged mountains
  • Dense forests
  • Heavy rainfall
  • Ecological isolation of hill streams.
• Such conditions promote:
  • Genetic isolation
  • Speciation
  • Endemism.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: Desert ecosystems are not characteristic of Northeast India and do not contribute to amphibian diversification there.

Q5. Which of the following products can be produced using coal-derived syngas?

1. Methanol
2. Ammonia
3. Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG)
4. Urea

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation:

• Syngas generated through coal gasification can be processed into several downstream products including:
  • Methanol
  • Ammonia
  • Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG)
  • Urea
  • Hydrogen
  • Dimethyl Ether
  • Ammonium Nitrate.
• These products are strategically important because India imports substantial quantities of industrial chemicals and fertiliser feedstock.

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