UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 28th September 2026

Solution (b)
Explanation: The Caspian Cobra (Naja oxiana)—also called the Central Asian, Oxus or Russian Cobra—belongs to the family Elapidae and is a venomous elapid capable of spreading its ribs to form the characteristic cobra hood. Its native range is primarily Central Asia, extending into northern Pakistan and northwestern India, with confirmed presence in Himachal Pradesh (Chamba) and reports from Jammu & Kashmir. Recent research documented the first human fatalities in India from this species (Chamba district, 2020 and 2021). Critically, India’s commercially available polyvalent anti-snake venom (ASV) is developed against the “Big Four”—spectacled cobra, Russell’s viper, common krait and saw-scaled viper—and may not adequately neutralise all venom components of N. oxiana. The species is assessed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List (not Endangered) and is not part of the Big Four.
Why this question? The “Big Four” ASV coverage limitation is the conceptual core, with Viperidae/Elapidae and IUCN status as secondary discriminators.
Why important for UPSC? Snakebite envenoming, species in news and public-health–biodiversity linkages are recurring environment prelims themes.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar to one-liner questions testing species’ family classification, IUCN status and their relevance to public health or conservation.

Solution (b)
Explanation: The Digital Connectivity Rating (DCR) Platform was launched by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 25 September 2026 to provide a standardised system for assessing and publicly displaying the digital connectivity of properties. It applies to residential, commercial, government and other categories of properties and brings Property Managers (PMs), Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs) and consumers onto one platform. The framework evaluates four dimensions: fibre readiness, mobile network availability, in-building connectivity solutions, and Wi-Fi infrastructure. Rating certificates are digitally signed and verifiable via QR code. The regulatory basis includes the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 (notified October 2024), 2026 Amendment Regulations (May 2026) and the Rating Manual 2026 (June 2026). Field testing uses a dedicated DCRA mobile application. The initiative supports both constructed and under-construction properties.
Why this question? Tests institutional attribution (TRAI vs. DoT vs. other bodies) for a newly launched regulatory platform.
Why important for UPSC? Digital infrastructure, regulatory bodies and consumer protection are recurring governance-S&T crossover themes.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar to one-liner questions identifying the correct statutory regulator or authority behind a newly launched initiative.

Solution (d)
Explanation: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective-tissue disorders—not a single disease—resulting from genetic abnormalities affecting connective-tissue structure or function. The 2017 international classification recognises 13 types. Joint hypermobility—joints moving beyond their normal range—is characteristic of many forms, with hypermobile EDS (hEDS) being the most common type. Classical EDS features skin hyperextensibility, fragile skin and abnormal scarring, commonly associated with pathogenic variants in COL5A1/COL5A2, which encode components of type V collagen. Vascular EDS involves fragility of blood vessels and internal organs and is potentially life-threatening. Kyphoscoliotic EDS features spinal curvature, joint hypermobility and early-onset manifestations. Recent research has explored associations with hormone levels and sleep-related disorders. All three statements are accurate.
Why this question? Tests the multi-type architecture of a syndrome, with collagen-gene linkage mirroring the Marfan (FBN1) pattern.
Why important for UPSC? Genetic disorders and rare diseases are recurring S&T prelims content, often paired with recently reported research.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar to questions linking connective-tissue disorders to specific genes and testing inheritance/classification systems.

Solution (d)
Explanation: A blazar is a type of Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) powered by a supermassive black hole (SMBH) at the galaxy’s centre. Matter falling toward the black hole forms an accretion disk, releasing enormous energy, while powerful relativistic particle jets emerge from the vicinity of the black hole. When one of these jets is directed almost toward Earth, the object appears exceptionally bright due to relativistic beaming, making blazars highly variable across the electromagnetic spectrum. TeV blazars are an especially energetic category producing very-high-energy gamma rays reaching tera-electron-volt (TeV) energies, and their jets normally dominate their X-ray spectra, making it difficult to detect emission from the accretion disk. A 2026 study by ARIES, Nainital using NASA’s NICER and NuSTAR telescopes analysed 13 X-ray observations of four TeV blazars—Mrk 421, Mrk 501, PG 1553+113 and PKS 2155-304—finding a possible accretion-disk contribution during low/moderate activity phases in Mrk 421 and Mrk 501.
Why this question? Tests the jet-geometry–brightness causal chain and the observational difficulty posed by jet dominance.
Why important for UPSC? Astronomy and astrophysics are emerging S&T areas, with Indian institutional involvement (ARIES) adding relevance.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar to questions on AGNs, black holes, gamma-ray astronomy and India’s astronomical research institutions.

Solution (c)
Explanation: The Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2026 ranks 1,000 of the world’s largest cities across five categories—Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment and Governance—combining current performance with a forward-looking assessment of future potential. Delhi ranked 268th globally, the highest-ranked Indian city, with 91 Indian cities in the index (Bengaluru 311th, Mumbai 320th, Chennai 381st, Hyderabad 421st, Pune 427th). The top three globally were New York, London and Paris, with 78 of the top 100 cities from Europe and North America. ICGS Shaunak is a Samarth-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), commissioned on 21 February 2017, based at Visakhapatnam, with roles including EEZ surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, law enforcement and pollution response. It sailed from Chennai to Perth, Australia, on 25 September 2026 as part of the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, carrying six “Sea Riders”—2 from India, 2 from Japan, 1 from Australia and 1 from the USA—to enhance interoperability, coordination and mutual trust among the four maritime forces, supporting the QUAD’s objective of a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific and India’s MAHASAGAR vision.
Why this question? Combines economy (urban ranking methodology) with defence (vessel class, mission composition) in a two-part format testing breadth.
Why important for UPSC? Global indices and QUAD maritime cooperation are recurring economy-IR and defence prelims themes.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar to questions testing global index methodology, India’s rankings, and multilateral maritime initiatives with vessel-specific details.