UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 24th September 2026

Solution (d)
Explanation: IMEI is a unique 15-digit number identifying a mobile device on a telecom network; its first 8 digits form the Type Allocation Code (TAC), identifying the device model/type. The GSMA oversees global TAC allocation to manufacturers/brand owners, who then assign individual IMEIs. Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, Section 42(3)(c), tampering with telecommunication identifiers is prohibited, with violations attracting up to 3 years’ imprisonment, ₹50 lakh fine, or both—and specified offences are cognizable and non-bailable. A dual-SIM phone generally carries two IMEIs. All three statements are accurate.
Why this question? Tests layered technical-commercial-legal architecture of a single identifier, mirroring UPSC’s preference for multi-dimensional stems.
Why important for UPSC? Telecom security, cyber governance and the Telecommunications Act, 2023 are high-yield S&T-governance crossovers.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar to questions on digital identity infrastructure (Aadhaar, UPI) testing technical components alongside enabling legal provisions.

Solution (a)
Explanation: Leucism is a pigmentation abnormality causing reduced pigmentation, producing partially or almost completely white/pale feathers; it may affect only some or most feathers. Crucially, leucistic animals generally retain normal eye colour, whereas in albinism melanin is absent or severely reduced throughout the body, often giving reddish/pink eyes. Statement 3 is incorrect: the Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, with a very wide distribution across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America. The rare leucistic individual spotted at Ameenpur Lake was a colour variant, not a separate white species.
Why this question? The leucism–albinism distinction is a conceptual trap, and the IUCN status insertion tests species-specific factual recall.
Why important for UPSC? Species in news with IUCN status is a perennial environment prelims pattern; pigmentation terminology adds analytical depth.
PYQ Pattern Link: Mirrors questions testing IUCN categories of species in news and distinguishing biological phenomena with similar appearances.

Solution (d)
Explanation: CDSCO functions under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is headquartered in New Delhi and is headed by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)—India’s central authority for regulating drug quality. A critical federal distinction: regulation of manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs is primarily a State responsibility, while CDSCO performs specified central functions (new drug/clinical trial approval, imported drugs, standards, vaccines/blood products, medical devices, pharmacovigilance) and coordinates with State Drug Control Organisations. Under the Drugs Rules, 1945, most NSAIDs fall under Schedule H and most antibiotics under Schedule H1, the latter requiring prescription plus additional record requirements. All statements are correct.
Why this question? The Centre-State division of drug regulation is a subtle federalism trap rarely understood precisely.
Why important for UPSC? Health regulation, AMR and federalism intersections are recurring in prelims and mains.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar to questions on regulatory bodies’ parent ministries and Centre-State distribution of legislative/administrative competence.

Solution (d)
Explanation: The second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti-26 is hosted by the IAF at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan (26 September–12 October 2026), with adjoining air bases involved and around 40 countries participating as direct participants or observers. The first edition (2024) was conducted in two phases at Sulur (Tamil Nadu) and Jodhpur (Rajasthan). The exercise involves BVR and WVR combat, air mobility operations, dynamic targeting, air-to-air refuelling, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), and operations against modern air-to-air and surface-to-air weapons. Direct participants with air assets include India, Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, UAE and the United States. Its three objectives are operational learning, greater interoperability and stronger partnerships.
Why this question? Tests edition-wise chronology and operational vocabulary of a flagship multinational exercise—UPSC’s preferred defence format.
Why important for UPSC? Military exercises are recurring; distinguishing multinational air exercises from bilateral ones is a key discriminator.
PYQ Pattern Link: Mirrors questions testing exercise editions, venues and participating nations (e.g., Pitch Black, Red Flag, Cope India).

Solution (a)
Explanation: Emi Koussi, in northern Chad at the southeastern end of the Tibesti Mountains, rises to 3,415 m—the highest peak in the Sahara and Chad—and is a large pyroclastic shield volcano, considered extinct. Its Era Kohor caldera contains a white crust of natron (a mixture of sodium carbonate decahydrate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and sodium sulfate), the dried remains of an ancient lake, often mistaken for snow in astronaut photographs. Statement 3 is incorrect on the NSWS count: the NSWS is implemented by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, but does not itself grant every approval—applications are electronically forwarded to the concerned Ministry/Department or State authority for processing. NSWS completed five years in September 2026, covering 327+ Central and 3,452 State approvals across 34 States/UTs.
Why this question? Combines physical geography (volcanology, palaeoclimate) with economy (governance platform), testing the “does not itself grant” nuance.
Why important for UPSC? Geography of Africa’s physical features and Ease of Doing Business digital infrastructure are both syllabus-relevant.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar to questions testing landform types, palaeoclimate evidence, and distinctions between facilitation platforms and statutory approval authorities.