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Daily-mcqs 23 Apr 2026

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams 23 Apr 2026

Current Affairs MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams

Q1:

Consider the following statements regarding World Earth Day (International Mother Earth Day):

It was inaugurated in 1970 by the United Nations to commemorate the first global climate summit.

The 2026 theme "Our Power, Our Planet" emphasizes community action and renewable energy transition.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A: 1 only

B: 2 only

C: Both 1 and 2

D: None

Show

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: While Earth Day was first celebrated on 22nd April 1970, it was initiated by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, not the United Nations. It was sparked by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, which spurred the modern environmental movement. The UN recognized it later, adopting the name "International Mother Earth Day" in 2009.

Statement 2 is correct: The 2026 theme is “Our Power, Our Planet,” which underscores the shift from mere awareness to intense collective action, encouraging community engagement, renewable energy adoption, and accountability for environmental damage.

Q2:

With reference to the recent interim order of the Gauhati High Court banning buffalo fights (Moh-Juj), consider the following statements:

1.   The Court held that such events violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

2.   The Court allowed such events if they are part of cultural traditions.

3.   The Court directed strict punitive action against organisers.

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: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Court quashed the Assam government’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that permitted these fights, ruling that such events violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and the Supreme Court’s 2014 landmark judgment in Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja, which prohibits animal spectacles involving inherent cruelty.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Court did not allow these events on the grounds of cultural tradition; instead, it held that judicial directives against animal cruelty override traditional practices that involve suffering.

Statement 3 is correct: The Court directed the state government to ensure no such events take place and made it clear that organizers of unlawful events would be held accountable and face strict legal consequences/punitive action.

Q3:

Consider the following statements regarding the 'Breach of Privilege' motion in the Indian Parliament:

A privilege motion can only be moved in the Lok Sabha against a Minister if they have provided misleading or false information to the House.

Under Rule 222 of the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure, a member can raise a question involving a breach of privilege with the consent of the Speaker.

The Committee of Privileges of the Lok Sabha consists of 10 members nominated by the Speaker.

Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution specifically define all parliamentary privileges, leaving no scope for conventional or statutory additions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A: 1, 2 and 3 only

B: 2 only

C: 1 and 3 only

D: 1, 2 , 3 and 4

Show

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: A privilege motion can be moved against any member, including a Minister, or even a non-member, for breaching the privilege of the House or its members. It is not limited to just "misleading information" but can include casting aspersions, contempt, etc.

Statement 2 is Correct: Rule 222 (Chapter 20) of the Lok Sabha Rule Book allows a member, with the consent of the Speaker, to raise a question involving a breach of privilege.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Committee of Privileges in the Lok Sabha consists of 15 members (not 10) nominated by the Speaker. The Rajya Sabha Committee of Privileges has 10 members.

Statement 4 is Incorrect: While Article 105 deals with privileges of Parliament, and Article 194 with State Legislatures, these are not exhaustive. The Constitution does not completely codify all privileges; many are derived from the laws, customs, and conventions of the British House of Commons, which existed at the time the Constitution was adopted.

Q4:

Recently, in the context of Shekha Jheel, Aligarh, consider the following statements:

1.   It has recently been declared a Ramsar site, increasing the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 99.

2.   It is the 11^th Ramsar site of Uttar Pradesh.

3.   This lake is an important site for migratory birds located on the Central Asian Flyway.

4.   The objective of granting Ramsar site status is to promote conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Choose the correct answer:

A: Only one statement is correct

B: Only two statements are correct

C: Only three statements are correct

D: All of the above

Show

Answer: C

Explanation:

Recently, Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary located in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh has been designated as a Ramsar site, due to which the total number of Ramsar sites in India has increased to 99, therefore statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2 is incorrect because this lake is not the 11th but the 12th Ramsar site of Uttar Pradesh; in such questions, UPSC often presents state-wise numbers as a source of confusion, therefore such facts should be remembered carefully.

Statement 3 is correct because Shekha Jheel is located on the Central Asian Flyway, which is a major international route for migratory birds; therefore, this lake serves as an important stopover site for birds like the Bar-headed Goose and Painted Stork, where they get rest and food.

Statement 4 is also correct because the main objective of the Ramsar Convention, 1971 is to ensure the conservation and sustainable (wise) use of wetlands.

Thus, the designation of Shekha Jheel as a Ramsar site will make an important contribution in biodiversity conservation, protection of migratory birds, maintaining climate balance and strengthening India’s global environmental commitments.

Q5:

Recently, in the context of China selecting Pakistani astronauts for the Tiangong space station mission, consider the following statements:

1.   China has, for the first time, selected Pakistani candidates to include foreign astronauts in its human space programme.

2.   The selected astronauts will be given mission-specific training, after which only they will be finally selected for the space mission.

3.   One of the selected candidates may be included in the mission as a payload specialist.

4.   This initiative reflects space cooperation and strategic partnership between China and Pakistan.

Choose the correct answer:

A: 1, 2 and 3 only

B: 1 and 2 only

C: 1,3 and 4only

D: All of the above

Show

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct, because recently China has selected two astronauts from Pakistan for its Tiangong space station mission, who are the first foreign candidates in its human space programme. This step is considered an important initiative towards the international expansion of China’s space programme.

Statement 2 is incorrect, because although the selected candidates will be given training in China, saying that their “final selection” will happen only after training is an exaggerated generalisation. At present, they are only trainees, while the final selection for the actual mission will take place in a later stage. UPSC often uses such terminology-based traps in questions.

Statement 3 is correct, because according to available information, one of the selected candidates may be included in the mission as a payload specialist, whose main task will be to conduct scientific experiments in space.

Statement 4 is also correct, because this initiative clearly reflects the growing space cooperation and strategic partnership between China and Pakistan. It is not only a scientific development but also geopolitically significant, representing a new dimension of space diplomacy.