Daily UPSC Prelims Quiz (October 24, 2026): 5 High-Yield MCQs & Explanations

Daily UPSC Prelims Quiz: 5 High-Yield Questions with Detailed Explanations (October 24, 2026)

Test your conceptual depth and analytical readiness with today's UPSC Prelims practice questions. Engineered from top editorial insights and core statutory frameworks, these questions bridge dynamic current affairs with static syllabus pillars. Attempt each question independently before revealing the detailed explanations and trap alerts.

Question 1: Supreme Court Sub-Classification Ruling & Constitutional Articles

Context / Statement: Consider the following statements regarding the recent constitutional developments and Supreme Court rulings on reservations:

The Supreme Court constitution bench held that states are constitutionally competent to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to grant preferential treatment to more backward sub-groups.
Article 341 of the Constitution vests exclusive power in the Parliament to include or exclude any caste from the Presidential List, prohibiting any executive modification by states.
The sub-classification ruling establishes that such internal categorization violates the basic structure doctrine by fragmenting the homogeneous identity of the Presidential list.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

👉 Click to Reveal Answer & Detailed Explanation

Correct Answer: (a)

Detailed Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court held that states have the legislative competence under Articles 14 and 16 to create sub-classifications within SCs and STs to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits to the most marginalized sections. Statement 2 is correct: Under Article 341 (and Article 342 for STs), only Parliament has the power by law to include or exclude any caste/tribe from the notifications issued by the President. States cannot alter the Presidential list itself. However, sub-classification among already included castes does not amount to altering the list. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Supreme Court ruled that sub-classification does *not* violate the equality code or basic structure; rather, it furthers substantive equality by ensuring that benefits reach the most vulnerable within the protected classes based on quantifiable data.

⚠️ UPSC Prelims Trap Alert: Aspirants often confuse the power to *modify/alter* the Presidential list (exclusive to Parliament under Article 341) with the power to *sub-classify* existing reservation quotas (permissible for states based on empirical data).

Syllabus Match: GS Paper 2 - Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.

Question 2: BRICS Expansion & Strategic West Asian Engagement

Context / Statement: Consider the following statements regarding BRICS and India's diplomatic architecture:

BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to include key West Asian and Middle Eastern nations such as Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
The New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS, exclusively funds infrastructure projects within member nations and prohibits lending to non-member developing countries.
India’s active participation in BRICS multilateral frameworks aligns with its strategic objective of maintaining multi-alignment and robust energy partnerships in West Asia.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

👉 Click to Reveal Answer & Detailed Explanation

Correct Answer: (c)

Detailed Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: BRICS has expanded significantly, inducting new members including Iran, UAE, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, altering geopolitical dynamics in West Asia and global energy corridors. Statement 2 is incorrect: The New Development Bank (NDB) is empowered to fund sustainable development projects not only in BRICS countries but also in other emerging economies and developing countries, functioning as an alternative multilateral development bank. Statement 3 is correct: Engagement through BRICS provides India a valuable multilateral platform to interact constructively with West Asian powers, balancing its traditional ties with Gulf states, Israel, and Iran under its overarching doctrine of strategic autonomy.

⚠️ UPSC Prelims Trap Alert: Watch out for absolute terms like "exclusively funds... prohibits lending to non-member countries" regarding international financial institutions like the NDB.

Syllabus Match: GS Paper 2 - Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.

Question 3: Quantum Computing & The National Quantum Mission

Context / Statement: With reference to Quantum Computing and its integration into the digital economy, consider the following statements:

Quantum computing utilizes qubits that can exist in states of superposition and entanglement, enabling simultaneous evaluation of vast computational possibilities.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) leverages principles of quantum mechanics to offer theoretically hackproof communication channels against eavesdropping.
India's National Quantum Mission (NQM) restricts research and development exclusively to indigenous government laboratories, barring academic and private sector partnerships.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

👉 Click to Reveal Answer & Detailed Explanation

Correct Answer: (a)

Detailed Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Unlike classical bits (0 or 1), quantum bits (qubits) leverage superposition (being in multiple states simultaneously) and entanglement (deep correlation between particles) to execute exponential calculations. Statement 2 is correct: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) secures data transmission because any attempt by an observer or eavesdropper to measure the quantum state inherently disturbs it, instantly alerting the communicating parties. Statement 3 is incorrect: The National Quantum Mission (NQM) actively encourages a collaborative ecosystem involving academic institutions, R&D labs, and private industry startups to build utility-scale quantum computers.

⚠️ UPSC Prelims Trap Alert: UPSC often frames technology mission statements with exclusionary clauses (e.g., "barring private sector"). Mission-mode programs in India heavily rely on public-private partnerships (PPPs) and academic consortia.

Syllabus Match: GS Paper 3 - Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

Question 4: Carbon Credits Trading Scheme (CCTS) & Climate Governance

Context / Statement: Consider the following statements regarding India's Carbon Credits Trading Scheme (CCTS):

The legal framework for establishing the domestic carbon market in India is derived from the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), operating under the Ministry of Power, is designated as the nodal agency for implementing the compliance mechanism of the carbon market.
Under the Indian CCTS, voluntary carbon credits can be issued directly by corporate emitters without any statutory Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) mechanism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

👉 Click to Reveal Answer & Detailed Explanation

Correct Answer: (a)

Detailed Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 empowered the Central Government to specify a carbon credit trading scheme, providing the statutory backing for India's domestic carbon market. Statement 2 is correct: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, in consultation with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), formulates and administers the rules for the compliance carbon market. Statement 3 is incorrect: No carbon credits can be issued arbitrarily. A rigorous Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework, accredited agencies, and institutional oversight by the National Steering Committee are mandatory to prevent greenwashing and double counting.

⚠️ UPSC Prelims Trap Alert: Do not assume voluntary market mechanisms lack regulation. Environmental market instruments under Indian statutes require stringent validation and verification protocols.

Syllabus Match: GS Paper 3 - Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Question 5: Chola Administration and Local Self-Government

Context / Statement: With reference to the imperial Chola dynasty and its administrative machinery, consider the following statements:

The Uttiramerur inscriptions provide comprehensive details regarding the *Kudavolai* system—an elaborate method of conducting elections for village assemblies (*Ur* and *Sabha*).
The Chola administrative hierarchy was structured downward from provincial units known as *Mandalams*, descending into *Valanadus*, *Nadus*, and village assemblies.
The naval expeditions undertaken by Rajendra I across the Bay of Bengal were restricted purely to territorial conquests without any commercial or maritime trade objectives.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

👉 Click to Reveal Answer & Detailed Explanation

Correct Answer: (a)

Detailed Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The famous Uttiramerur inscriptions (dating to Parantaka I) offer remarkable insights into the democratic processes, qualifications, and lottery-based ballot system (*Kudavolai*) used to elect members to village administrative committees (*Variyams*). Statement 2 is correct: Chola polity was highly organized. The empire was divided into provinces called *Mandalams*, which were subdivided into *Valanadus*, then *Nadus* (districts), and finally clusters of villages (*Kurram* or *Kottam*). Statement 3 is incorrect: Rajendra I’s naval campaigns against the Srivijaya Empire were driven by both strategic hegemony and economic imperatives—specifically to secure and safeguard lucrative maritime trade routes connecting India to China and Southeast Asia.

⚠️ UPSC Prelims Trap Alert: Medieval Indian military campaigns, especially naval expeditions by the Cholas, were deeply intertwined with securing trade monopolies and mercantile interests, not merely territorial expansion.

Syllabus Match: GS Paper 1 - Indian Culture—Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Prelims Revision Flashcards

Sub-Classification of Reservations: Permissible by states under Articles 14 & 16 using empirical data, whereas power to alter the SC/ST list under Article 341 remains exclusively with Parliament.
BRICS & NDB: New Development Bank funds both BRICS and non-BRICS developing nations, fostering South-South cooperation.
Quantum Supremacy Pillars: Superposition (multiple states simultaneously) and Entanglement (correlated particle states) form the core of quantum computing security and speed.
Carbon Markets in India: Backed by the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022; operationalized by BEE under the Ministry of Power with mandatory MRV standards.
Chola Local Governance: Uttiramerur inscriptions illustrate the sophisticated *Kudavolai* electoral system used for local self-government in *Sabhas*.

Conclusion

Consistency is the bedrock of success in the Civil Services Examination. Drop your score (out of 5) in the comments below, analyze your conceptual gaps, and keep refining your static-dynamic linkages!

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