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Daily-mcqs 20 Jan 2026

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams 20 Jan 2026

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Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams

Q1:

With reference to India’s first Open Sea Marine Fish Farming Project, consider the following statements:

1.   The project has been launched in the Arabian Sea near the Gujarat coast.

2.   It is India’s first initiative involving cage-based marine fish farming in open sea conditions.

3.   The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has designed cages capable of operating under offshore oceanic conditions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 1 and 3 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Incorrect: The project has been launched at North Bay in the Andaman Sea, not the Arabian Sea.


Statement 2 – Correct: It is India’s first open sea cage-based marine fish farming project, marking a shift from coastal to offshore aquaculture.


Statement 3 – Correct: NIOT, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, designed advanced open sea cages capable of withstanding real offshore conditions.


                            

Q2:

Consider the following statements regarding the Blue Economy in India:

1.   India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covers more than 2 million sq. km.

2.   Nearly 95% of India’s merchandise trade by volume is carried through maritime routes.

3.   The marine sector contributes more than 10% to India’s GDP.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 2 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Correct: India’s EEZ extends over 2 million sq. km, providing vast potential for fisheries, energy, and minerals.


Statement 2 – Correct: About 95% of India’s trade by volume is maritime, highlighting oceanic strategic importance.


Statement 3 – Incorrect: The marine sector contributes around 4% of GDP, not more than 10%.


                            

Q3:

With reference to the Bhairav Battalions of the Indian Army, consider the following statements:

1.   They are specialised strategic forces meant exclusively for deep penetration missions in enemy territory.

2.   They are designed to bridge the operational gap between Para Special Forces and regular infantry units.

3.   They are optimised for rapid response and short-notice offensive operations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 1 and 3 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Incorrect: Deep strategic missions remain the role of Para Special Forces. Bhairav Battalions focus on rapid, tactical-to-operational level offensives.


Statement 2 – Correct: Bhairav units function as an intermediate force, filling the gap between Ghatak platoons and Para SF.


Statement 3 – Correct: They are designed for immediate border contingencies and short-notice offensives.


                            

Q4:

With reference to the Somnath Swabhiman Parv (1026–2026), consider the following statements:

1.   It marks 1,000 years since the first recorded destruction of the Somnath Temple.

2.   The commemoration highlights the civilisational resilience and cultural continuity of India.

3.   The first major recorded attack on the temple was carried out by Muhammad Ghori.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 2 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Correct: The Parv commemorates 1,000 years since the 1026 CE attack on Somnath.


Statement 2 – Correct: The theme emphasises faith, resilience, and cultural continuity despite repeated destruction.


Statement 3 – Incorrect: The first major recorded attack was by Mahmud of Ghazni, not Muhammad Ghori.


                            

Q5:

Consider the following statements regarding the Somnath Temple:

1.   It is located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat.

2.   It is revered as the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

3.   The temple faces the Bay of Bengal.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 1 and 3 only

C: 2 and 3 only

D: 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 – Correct: Somnath is located at Prabhas Patan, Gir Somnath district, Gujarat.


Statement 2 – Correct: It is considered the first Jyotirlinga.


Statement 3 – Incorrect: The temple faces the Arabian Sea, not the Bay of Bengal.