UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 22nd September 2026

Solution (b)
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because sulphur is a non-metallic chemical element (Symbol: S, Atomic number: 16) that occurs naturally as elemental sulphur and in sulphide and sulphate minerals. Statement 2 is correct—the key chain is Sulphur → Sulphuric acid → Phosphoric acid → DAP/SSP/Complex fertilisers, where sulphuric acid processes rock phosphate. Statement 3 is correct—India consumes around 3.8–3.9 MT of sulphur annually, of which about 2–2.1 MT (roughly half) is used by the fertiliser industry. Statement 4 is correct—major sulphur supplies come as a by-product of oil and natural-gas processing, which is why disruptions in Russia and West Asia have tightened supplies.
Why this question? Tests the non-metal trap in statement 1 and the interlinkage between sulphur and fertiliser production.
Why important for UPSC? Agriculture, minerals, and supply-chain economics are frequently tested together.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar questions linking raw materials to industrial end-products have appeared.

Solution (a)
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct—Nevados de Chillán is located in the Ñuble Region of central Chile, within the Chilean Andes, in the Southern Volcanic Zone (SVZ). Statement 2 is correct—it consists of three overlapping main peaks: Cerro Blanco (highest, ~3,212 m), Volcán Viejo (~3,089 m), and Volcán Nuevo. Statement 3 is correct—the Andean volcanic belt is associated with the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate, which generates magma. Statement 4 is incorrect because a lava dome forms when viscous lava accumulates around a volcanic vent rather than flowing rapidly away—the high viscosity prevents rapid flow.
Why this question? Tests the definitional trap of lava dome formation and the plate tectonics linkage.
Why important for UPSC? Volcanoes, plate tectonics, and landform processes are core Geography topics.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar questions on subduction zones and volcanic landforms have appeared.

Solution (a)
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct—AASHVAST (Assessment and Analysis of Electronic Systems Hardware for Vulnerabilities and Security Threats) is a firmware analysis and validation system developed for the DG EME by QuickPay Pvt Ltd. Statement 2 is correct—unlike conventional physical inspection, it examines software/firmware and embedded systems, identifying around 14 categories of vulnerabilities. Statement 3 is correct—it can screen for hidden codes, embedded passwords and encryption keys, unauthorised remote-access tools, time/location-triggered malfunctions, and GPS spoofing/jamming vulnerabilities. Statement 4 is incorrect because the initial focus is on military UAVs/drones, while Army-procured CCTV cameras are expected to be brought under screening later.
Why this question? Tests the reversal trap in statement 4—the order of priority is reversed.
Why important for UPSC? Defence technology, cybersecurity, and supply-chain security are increasingly important.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar questions on defence indigenisation and cyber vulnerabilities have appeared.

Solution (b)
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct—NdFeB (Neodymium-Iron-Boron) magnets are rare-earth permanent magnets and among the strongest commercially available, combining high magnetic strength with compact size. Statement 2 is correct—they are essential in EV motors, wind turbines, robotics, electronics, aerospace, and defence systems, making them critical for both clean energy transition and advanced manufacturing. Statement 3 is incorrect because the analysis highlighted that India’s challenge is not merely access to rare-earth minerals but the missing midstream capabilities (mineral processing, chemical separation, metal/alloy production) and incomplete mapping of the entire magnet value chain. Statement 4 is correct—India has established a Nd-Fe-B magnet pilot plant at ARCI, Hyderabad, covering the process from strip-cast alloy to finished sintered magnets.
Why this question? Tests the “not merely access” trap—a classic UPSC subtlety that reverses the actual constraint.
Why important for UPSC? Critical minerals, rare-earth elements, and the clean-energy supply chain are high-priority topics.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar questions on critical minerals and India’s strategic manufacturing have appeared.

Solution (c)
Explanation: All four statements are correct. SLINEX (Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise) is an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy (statement 1). From the Indian side, INS Kavaratti (an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette) and INS Jyoti (a Fleet Tanker) are participating, along with SLNS Sindurala from Sri Lanka (statement 2). SLINEX was conceptualised in 2005, and the 13th edition, SLINEX-26, is being conducted at Visakhapatnam from 17–21 September 2026 (statement 3). The 2026 edition is aligned with India’s MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) for a secure, stable, and inclusive maritime environment (statement 4). The exercise consists of a Harbour Phase followed by a Sea Phase.
Why this question? Tests comprehensive factual recall of a bilateral exercise and its strategic alignment.
Why important for UPSC? Defence exercises, India’s neighbourhood relations, and maritime security are frequently tested.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar questions on India’s bilateral naval exercises (e.g., SLINEX, Varuna, Malabar) have appeared.