Daily Current Affairs Quiz
Daily Quiz — March 16, 2026
Daily Practice
Test Your Knowledge
10 questions based on today’s current affairs & editorials
10 MCQs
Explanations
Statistics
Timed
Choose number of questions
Question 1 of 10
The CE20 cryogenic engine powers which ISRO launch vehicle, and what is its primary propellant combination?
The CE20 cryogenic engine powers the upper stage (C32 cryogenic stage) of LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3, formerly GSLV Mk III). It uses liquid hydrogen (LH2) as fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as oxidizer — the most energy-efficient chemical propellant combination.
CE20 has a nominal thrust of approximately 200 kN (~20 tonnes), with an upgraded 22-tonne version tested on March 10, 2026. It was developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and tested at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
CE20 has a nominal thrust of approximately 200 kN (~20 tonnes), with an upgraded 22-tonne version tested on March 10, 2026. It was developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and tested at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
💡 Concept Note
ISRO engine types: Vikas engine (liquid, semi-cryogenic — used in PSLV upper stages and GSLV), CE7.5 (cryogenic — GSLV Mk II), CE20 (cryogenic — LVM3/GSLV Mk III), SCE-200 (semi-cryogenic, under development for NGLV). LVM3 is ISRO’s heaviest operational rocket — payload capacity: 4 tonnes to GTO, 10 tonnes to LEO. LVM3 is the vehicle for Gaganyaan (human spaceflight) and was used commercially to launch OneWeb satellites.
Cryogenic technology mastery (denied to India by US/Russia pressure in 1990s) is a milestone in India’s space self-reliance.
Cryogenic technology mastery (denied to India by US/Russia pressure in 1990s) is a milestone in India’s space self-reliance.
Question 2 of 10
Deepor Beel, which faces urbanisation threats from Guwahati city expansion, holds which conservation designations that make it nationally and internationally significant?
Deepor Beel is a Ramsar Wetland (designated on August 19, 2002) and a Wildlife Sanctuary — making it the only Ramsar-designated wetland in Assam. It is a permanent freshwater lake located southwest of Guwahati (Kamrup district) and is a critical stopover for migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway.
Its ecological significance is heightened by being adjacent to the Rani-Garbhanga Reserve Forest, which is an elephant corridor.
Its ecological significance is heightened by being adjacent to the Rani-Garbhanga Reserve Forest, which is an elephant corridor.
💡 Concept Note
Ramsar Convention (1971, Ramsar, Iran): international treaty for conservation of wetlands. India has 98 Ramsar sites (as of early 2026) — third highest globally after UK (176) and Mexico (144), and the highest among Asian nations.
Tamil Nadu has the most Ramsar sites in India (20). Key Ramsar sites: Chilika Lake (Odisha, first Indian Ramsar 1981), Keoladeo Ghana NP (Rajasthan), Loktak Lake (Manipur), Wular Lake (J&K), Sundarbans (West Bengal).
Deepor Beel faces specific threats: Guwahati urban expansion, waste dumping, railway embankment disrupting water flow, and encroachment reducing the wetland area.
Tamil Nadu has the most Ramsar sites in India (20). Key Ramsar sites: Chilika Lake (Odisha, first Indian Ramsar 1981), Keoladeo Ghana NP (Rajasthan), Loktak Lake (Manipur), Wular Lake (J&K), Sundarbans (West Bengal).
Deepor Beel faces specific threats: Guwahati urban expansion, waste dumping, railway embankment disrupting water flow, and encroachment reducing the wetland area.
Question 3 of 10
The National Chambal Sanctuary is shared across three states and is the primary stronghold of the Gharial in India. Which three states share this sanctuary?
The National Chambal Sanctuary (also called the Chambal River Sanctuary) spans Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh along the Chambal River — one of the few relatively unpolluted rivers in India. It is the primary refuge for the Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
The sanctuary also protects the Red-crowned Roofed Turtle, Gangetic River Dolphin, and Mugger Crocodile.
The sanctuary also protects the Red-crowned Roofed Turtle, Gangetic River Dolphin, and Mugger Crocodile.
💡 Concept Note
Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus): found almost exclusively in the Chambal, Girwa (UP), and Mahanadi systems. Critically Endangered — fewer than 700 adults estimated.
Threats: sand mining, fishing nets (drowning), river flow reduction from dams/irrigation, pollution. Project Crocodile (1975) initiated Gharial conservation.
Gharial is a bioindicator of clean river water. National Chambal Sanctuary is also an IBA (Important Bird Area) — supports Indian Skimmer, Sarus Crane.
Chambal River originates in Madhya Pradesh (Vindhya range), flows through Rajasthan, joins Yamuna in UP.
Threats: sand mining, fishing nets (drowning), river flow reduction from dams/irrigation, pollution. Project Crocodile (1975) initiated Gharial conservation.
Gharial is a bioindicator of clean river water. National Chambal Sanctuary is also an IBA (Important Bird Area) — supports Indian Skimmer, Sarus Crane.
Chambal River originates in Madhya Pradesh (Vindhya range), flows through Rajasthan, joins Yamuna in UP.
Question 4 of 10
The T63 and T64 classifications in para athletics refer to athletes with limb deficiency competing with a prosthesis. Which statement correctly describes the distinction between these two classes?
T63 refers to single above-knee or through-knee amputation competing with a running prosthesis; T64 refers to single below-knee amputation competing with a running prosthesis. Sumit Antil competes in the F64 (field/javelin) class as a below-knee amputee.
Praveen Kumar won gold in T64 High Jump at Paris 2024. India won a record 29 medals (7 gold, 9 silver, 13 bronze) at Paris 2024 Paralympics — its best-ever Paralympic performance.
Praveen Kumar won gold in T64 High Jump at Paris 2024. India won a record 29 medals (7 gold, 9 silver, 13 bronze) at Paris 2024 Paralympics — its best-ever Paralympic performance.
💡 Concept Note
Para athletics classifications T61-T64 all involve lower limb deficiency/amputation with prosthesis: T61 (bilateral above-knee), T62 (bilateral below-knee), T63 (unilateral above/through-knee), T64 (unilateral below-knee). Classification is managed by World Para Athletics (under World Athletics).
India top para athletes: Sumit Antil (F64 Javelin world record 73.29m at Paris 2024), Praveen Kumar (T64 High Jump, gold Paris 2024), Nishad Kumar (T47 High Jump), Avani Lekhara (shooting, 2 golds Paris 2024). Para Sports governing body in India: Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
The RPwD Act 2016 expanded recognised disability categories from 7 to 21.
India top para athletes: Sumit Antil (F64 Javelin world record 73.29m at Paris 2024), Praveen Kumar (T64 High Jump, gold Paris 2024), Nishad Kumar (T47 High Jump), Avani Lekhara (shooting, 2 golds Paris 2024). Para Sports governing body in India: Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
The RPwD Act 2016 expanded recognised disability categories from 7 to 21.
Question 5 of 10
The Oscars (Academy Awards) are presented by which organisation, and at which venue in Los Angeles are the awards ceremony traditionally held?
The Academy Awards (Oscars) are awarded by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), founded in 1927. The ceremony is held at the Dolby Theatre (formerly Kodak Theatre, renamed in 2012) on Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles.
The gold-plated statuette is officially named the Academy Award of Merit. The 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) were held on March 15, 2026, hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second consecutive year.
The gold-plated statuette is officially named the Academy Award of Merit. The 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) were held on March 15, 2026, hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second consecutive year.
💡 Concept Note
India and the Oscars: India submits one film annually in the International Feature Film category. Indian Oscar history: Bhanu Athaiya (Best Costume Design, Gandhi, 1983 — first Indian Oscar winner); AR Rahman (2 Oscars for Slumdog Millionaire, 2009); Resul Pookutty (Sound Mixing, Slumdog Millionaire); RRR — Naatu Naatu won Best Original Song (2023); The Elephant Whisperers won Best Documentary Short (2023).
India has never won Best International Feature Film. AMPAS has approximately 10,000 voting members globally.
India has never won Best International Feature Film. AMPAS has approximately 10,000 voting members globally.
Question 6 of 10
Amblyceps vayavy, a new species of torrent catfish discovered in Kerala, belongs to which river system, and what habitat feature of torrent catfish makes them indicators of river health?
Amblyceps vayavy was discovered in the Valapattanam river basin (Kannur district), Kerala — part of the Western Ghats river systems. Torrent catfish (family Amblycipitidae) are adapted to fast-flowing, rocky mountain streams with high dissolved oxygen levels.
Their presence indicates clean, well-oxygenated, unpolluted water — making them valuable bioindicators of river ecosystem health. The Western Ghats is a global biodiversity hotspot with high fish endemism.
Their presence indicates clean, well-oxygenated, unpolluted water — making them valuable bioindicators of river ecosystem health. The Western Ghats is a global biodiversity hotspot with high fish endemism.
💡 Concept Note
Western Ghats fish biodiversity: the Western Ghats rivers have over 290 freshwater fish species, with approximately 40% being endemic. Hotspots for new fish discoveries: Chaliyar, Chalakudy, Bharathapuzha, Periyar, and Valapattanam river systems.
ZSI, ICAR-NBFGR, and university researchers regularly discover new species. Western Ghats is one of 36 global biodiversity hotspots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012).
Threats to endemic fish: dams (fragmentation), sand mining, agricultural pollution, invasive suckermouth armored catfish.
ZSI, ICAR-NBFGR, and university researchers regularly discover new species. Western Ghats is one of 36 global biodiversity hotspots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012).
Threats to endemic fish: dams (fragmentation), sand mining, agricultural pollution, invasive suckermouth armored catfish.
Question 7 of 10
The BCCI Naman Awards honour contributions to Indian cricket. Which body administers cricket in India and what is its legal status?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is a private society registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act. It is NOT a government body — it is a private voluntary association.
Despite controlling Indian cricket and being one of the richest cricket boards globally, BCCI receives no government funding and is not a statutory body. The Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee recommendations (2016) led to major reforms in BCCI governance including age limits, cooling-off periods, and conflict-of-interest rules.
Despite controlling Indian cricket and being one of the richest cricket boards globally, BCCI receives no government funding and is not a statutory body. The Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee recommendations (2016) led to major reforms in BCCI governance including age limits, cooling-off periods, and conflict-of-interest rules.
💡 Concept Note
BCCI structure: affiliated to International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC). BCCI revenue: primarily from IPL (Indian Premier League) media rights and BCCI broadcast deals.
IPL rights (2023-2027): sold for Rs 48,390 crore (Viacom18 digital + Star Sports TV). Key BCCI reforms post-Lodha Committee: elected officials with term limits, separation of administrator and player roles, audited accounts.
India vs BCCI: unlike other national sports federations (which are under National Sports Federations Act), BCCI operates independently — no government oversight beyond court orders.
IPL rights (2023-2027): sold for Rs 48,390 crore (Viacom18 digital + Star Sports TV). Key BCCI reforms post-Lodha Committee: elected officials with term limits, separation of administrator and player roles, audited accounts.
India vs BCCI: unlike other national sports federations (which are under National Sports Federations Act), BCCI operates independently — no government oversight beyond court orders.
Question 8 of 10
The Musi River flows through Hyderabad and has 11 protected monuments along its banks. The Musi River originates from which source and is a tributary of which river?
The Musi River originates in the Anantagiri Hills, Vikarabad district, Telangana, and joins the Krishna River near Nalgonda. It flows through Hyderabad city for approximately 24 km.
Historical significance: Hyderabad was founded (1591) by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah on the banks of the Musi. Charminar and other Qutb Shahi monuments are on the Musi’s banks.
The river faces severe pollution from Hyderabad’s untreated sewage and industrial effluents.
Historical significance: Hyderabad was founded (1591) by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah on the banks of the Musi. Charminar and other Qutb Shahi monuments are on the Musi’s banks.
The river faces severe pollution from Hyderabad’s untreated sewage and industrial effluents.
💡 Concept Note
Musi River conservation is a Telangana state priority — the Musi River Front Development project aims to restore the river and redevelop its banks. Rivers through major Indian cities and their tributaries: Yamuna (Delhi) → Ganga; Sabarmati (Ahmedabad) → Gulf of Khambhat (direct); Mula-Mutha (Pune) → Bhima → Krishna; Cooum/Adyar (Chennai) → Bay of Bengal (direct); Damodar (Kolkata region) → Hooghly.
Musi flood of 1908 destroyed much of Hyderabad, leading to construction of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar dams for flood control.
Musi flood of 1908 destroyed much of Hyderabad, leading to construction of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar dams for flood control.
Question 9 of 10
Jose Antonio Kast was inaugurated as President of Chile on March 11, 2026. Chile is significant in the global critical minerals supply chain for which primary reason?
Chile holds the world’s largest known reserves of lithium (approximately 40% of global reserves, in the Atacama Desert brine deposits — the Lithium Triangle shared with Argentina and Bolivia) and is also the world’s largest copper producer (approximately 27% of global output). Both minerals are critical for the clean energy transition: lithium for EV batteries and grid storage; copper for electric motors, power transmission, and solar/wind infrastructure.
💡 Concept Note
Lithium Triangle: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia share the Atacama/Puna salt flat lithium deposits — together holding approximately 60% of global lithium reserves. India’s critical mineral strategy: India has low domestic reserves of lithium and cobalt — KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) is acquiring lithium deposits in Argentina.
India signed critical mineral MoUs with Australia, Canada, Argentina. Copper is essential for India’s renewable energy targets — grid expansion requires 3-4x more copper per MW than coal power.
Chile is an important partner for India in critical minerals diplomacy.
India signed critical mineral MoUs with Australia, Canada, Argentina. Copper is essential for India’s renewable energy targets — grid expansion requires 3-4x more copper per MW than coal power.
Chile is an important partner for India in critical minerals diplomacy.
Question 10 of 10
The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is India's National Aquatic Animal. Under which Schedule of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, is it protected, and what is its primary conservation concern?
The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 — the highest level of legal protection. It is also listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Primary threats: river fragmentation by barrages and dams (Farakka, Tehri) blocking dolphin movement; accidental entanglement in fishing nets; river pollution; noise from boat traffic; sand mining. It navigates using echolocation (functionally blind), adapted to turbid river water.
Primary threats: river fragmentation by barrages and dams (Farakka, Tehri) blocking dolphin movement; accidental entanglement in fishing nets; river pollution; noise from boat traffic; sand mining. It navigates using echolocation (functionally blind), adapted to turbid river water.
💡 Concept Note
Gangetic River Dolphin key facts: found in Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna, Karnaphuli, Sangu river systems. National Aquatic Animal designation: 2009.
Project Dolphin: launched October 5, 2020 (World Habitat Day) by PM Modi. Key dolphin habitats: Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar, Bhagalpur — the only dolphin sanctuary in India), upper Ganga between Hastinapur and Bijnor (UP).
Dolphin count: approximately 3,700 Gangetic dolphins remain. Dolphins as bioindicators: healthy dolphin population indicates clean, free-flowing water with adequate fish stocks.
Project Dolphin: launched October 5, 2020 (World Habitat Day) by PM Modi. Key dolphin habitats: Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar, Bhagalpur — the only dolphin sanctuary in India), upper Ganga between Hastinapur and Bijnor (UP).
Dolphin count: approximately 3,700 Gangetic dolphins remain. Dolphins as bioindicators: healthy dolphin population indicates clean, free-flowing water with adequate fish stocks.
–
/ 10
Performance
✓
Correct
0
✗
Incorrect
0
%
Accuracy
0%
⏱
Time Taken
–
Question-wise Result