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Daily-mcqs 21 May 2026

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams 21 May 2026

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams

Q1:

Consider the following statements regarding the recently tested ULPGM-V3 missile:

It is exclusively designed to engage heavily armored ground vehicles such as tanks.

It features a "fire-and-forget" capability, allowing the launching drone to quickly reposition or retreat after firing.

It can be operated in both air-to-ground and air-to-air modes.

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

Show

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: While the ULPGM-V3 has an anti-armour configuration designed to neutralize modern protected tanks, it is not exclusively a ground-attack weapon. It is a multi-role system.

Statement 2 is correct: The ULPGM-V3 is a "fire-and-forget" missile. Once the missile locks onto a target and is launched from a UAV, the onboard guidance system takes over completely. This does not require continuous operator guidance, allowing the launching drone to retreat to safety and improving overall survivability.

Statement 3 is correct: The missile is versatile and has been validated in both modes. In its air-to-ground role, it targets tanks and bunkers; in its air-to-air role, it can neutralize enemy drones, helicopters, and low-flying aerial threats.

Q2:

With reference to the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile-V3 (ULPGM-V3), consider the following statements:

It is a completely indigenous weapon system involving the Indian defence ecosystem, including MSMEs and start-ups.

It features a high-definition dual-channel seeker and a two-way data link.

The nodal design agency for this missile is the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.

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

Show

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The ULPGM-V3 is an indigenous system tested under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It is manufactured with deep involvement from domestic MSMEs and private start-ups.

Statement 2 is correct: The latest V3 variant incorporates highly advanced technological features. It includes a high-definition dual-channel seeker for precise engagement and a two-way data link that allows operators to update target information even after the missile has been launched.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a premier DRDO laboratory based in Hyderabad, served as the nodal design agency for the ULPGM missile family. While the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad provided collaborative support, RCI is the primary nodal laboratory for the project.

Q3:

With reference to the recent 3rd India–Nordic Summit (2026), consider the following statements:

The plurilateral dynamic was formally elevated to a "Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership."

The Nordic countries officially reiterated their support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council (UNSC).

The summit officially concluded the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

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

Show

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: During the summit in Oslo, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of the five Nordic nations officially decided to elevate their plurilateral ties from sectoral cooperation to a trusted "Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership".

Statement 2 is correct: The Nordic leaders reaffirmed their commitment to global governance reforms and officially reiterated their backing for India’s permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council (UNSC).

Statement 3 is incorrect: The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) was not concluded at this summit. The summit instead welcomed the earlier operationalization of the TEPA, alongside discussing progress on the India–EU Free Trade Agreement.

Q4:

Regarding India’s engagements with the Nordic region, which of the following statements is/are correct?

India and the Nordic countries focus heavily on Arctic research, climate monitoring, and sustainable ocean governance.

The Nordic region and "Scandinavia" refer to the exact same geographical grouping of nations.

Select the correct code using the options below:

A: 1 only

B: 2 only

C: Both 1 and 2

D: None

Show

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: A major focus of the 3rd Summit was the Blue Economy and the Arctic. India and the Nordic countries agreed to strengthen collaboration in Arctic research, climate monitoring, and sustainable ocean governance, which strongly aligns with India’s Arctic Policy and Indo-Pacific maritime vision.

Statement 2 is incorrect: These two terms have different definitions. While the Nordic region comprises five sovereign states (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden), "Scandinavia" generally refers only to a subset of these nations: Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Q5:

Which of the following were key findings of the Chandrayaan-3 Hop Experiment?

1.   Presence of sharp thermal gradients within shallow lunar depth

2.   Disturbance of lunar regolith due to rocket exhaust plume

3.   High thermal conductivity of lunar soil

4.   Existence of layered subsurface structure near the Moon’s south pole

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A: 1 and 2 only

B: 1,3 and 4 only

C: 1, 2 and 4 only

D: 1, 2, 3 and 4

Show

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Temperature dropped nearly 60°C within 10 cm depth, indicating extreme thermal gradients.

Statement 2 is correct: The lander’s exhaust displaced around 3 cm of surface material, exposing buried layers.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Lunar soil showed very low, not high, thermal conductivity.

Statement 4 is correct: Scientists discovered two distinct subsurface layers beneath the lunar surface.