Indian Express Quiz 14 October 2026: Daily UPSC Prelims MCQs with Trilingual Solutions

Mastering daily editorial developments is essential for cracking civil services examinations. Today’s Indian Express Quiz 14 October 2026 delivers an exhaustive, curriculum-aligned analysis of national and international developments featured in The Indian Express and The Hindu, methodically mapped to the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) General Studies Syllabus.

Key Editorial Developments Covered Today

  • NULM Funding & Urban Women’s Livelihoods: Five States (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, MP, Tripura) seek urgent Central funds under DAY-NULM; revolving funds for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), urban poverty alleviation, and continuity concerns ahead of NULM 2.0.
  • BIMSTEC Security Architecture & Delhi Declaration: First BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi, adopting the Delhi Declaration to eliminate terrorist safe havens, enhance Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs), and combat transnational financial crimes.
  • Protests vs Public Order (Section 163 BNSS): Balancing Article 19(1)(b) freedom of peaceful assembly against Article 19(3) reasonable restrictions; Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023; and the Supreme Court’s Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (2018) proportionality doctrine.
  • Naval ASW Indigenisation (INS Mangrol): Commissioning of the third Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) at Mumbai; active vs passive sonar detection; and safeguarding coastal energy corridors and choke points.
  • Strategic Autonomy & Energy Geopolitics: Managing US temporary waivers on Russian crude oil; multi-alignment versus ideological zero-sum alliances; and protecting domestic refining margins and foreign exchange stability.
  • Manipur Reconciliation & Constitutional Framework: Healing ethnic faultlines between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities; Union duties under Article 355; and special legislative mechanisms under Article 371C for Hill Areas Committees.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Impact Assessment: Evaluating annual CSR spending exceeding ₹40,000 crore under Section 135 of Companies Act, 2013; moving beyond input-based audits to mandatory independent impact assessments under Schedule VII.
  • Himalayan Cryosphere & Gandaki Flash Floods: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and catastrophic debris flows in Nepal’s Gorkha district; moraine dam instability; and transboundary hydrological cooperation under the Sendai Framework (2015–2030).
  • Digital Payments & UPI Merchant Discount Rate (MDR): NPCI deferring proposed 0.4% MDR on person-to-merchant UPI payments above ₹2,000; payment system sustainability versus digital financial inclusion under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
  • Inflation Generalisation & Power Baseload Demands: Retail CPI rising to 5.54%; using Inflation Diffusion Indices to assess core persistence; CEA projections requiring 105–150 GW additional coal baseload power by 2035 to offset renewable intermittency.

Strategic Value: Current Affairs Paired with Authentic UPSC PYQs

A standard pitfall in UPSC Prelims preparation is treating current events in isolation from core NCERT and standard reference concepts. In this daily module, every high-yield current affairs question is paired with a corresponding authentic UPSC CSE Previous Year Question (PYQ). This dual-layered framework trains candidates to recognise how UPSC repeatedly tests the underlying statutory, economic, and scientific fundamentals of contemporary news headlines.

UPSC CSE Syllabus Linkage

Topic GS Paper & Section Core Conceptual Focus
DAY-NULM & Urban Women SHGs GS Paper II & III: Welfare Schemes & Inclusive Growth Revolving funds, urban poverty, micro-enterprises
BIMSTEC Security & Delhi Declaration GS Paper II & III: Regional Groupings & Internal Security Bangkok Declaration, counter-terrorism, MLAT
Right to Protest & Section 163 BNSS GS Paper II: Fundamental Rights & Public Order Article 19(1)(b) vs 19(3), proportionality doctrine
INS Mangrol & Shallow Water ASW GS Paper III: Defence Indigenisation & Coastal Security Active/passive sonar, shallow water anti-submarine craft
Strategic Autonomy & Energy Geopolitics GS Paper II & III: Foreign Policy & Energy Security Multi-alignment, secondary sanctions, oil procurement
Manipur Peace & Article 371C GS Paper II: Federalism & Special Constitutional Provisions Article 355 duties, Hill Areas Committee, Article 371C
CSR Spending & Impact Assessments GS Paper II & III: Corporate Governance & Social Development Section 135 Companies Act 2013, Schedule VII
Himalayan GLOFs & Sendai Framework GS Paper I & III: Geography & Disaster Risk Reduction Moraine dam failure, Sendai 4 Priorities, early warning
UPI MDR Fee & Digital Public Rails GS Paper III: Digital Payments & Financial Inclusion Merchant Discount Rate, NPCI corporate mandate
Inflation Diffusion & Power Baseload GS Paper III: Monetary Policy, Inflation & Energy Transition Headline vs core CPI, diffusion index, Plant Load Factor

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the statutory and functional difference between DAY-NULM and DAY-NRLM?

DAY-NULM is administered by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) focused on urban poor, street vendors, and urban homeless shelters. DAY-NRLM (Aajeevika) is executed by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) focused on rural women self-help groups and agrarian livelihoods.

Q2: What is Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023?

Section 163 BNSS replaces Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973. It empowers an Executive Magistrate to issue written prohibitory orders in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger to preserve public tranquillity.

Q3: How does active sonar differ from passive sonar in anti-submarine warfare?

Active sonar emits acoustic sound waves (pings) into the water and listens for returning reflections, revealing the target's distance and direction but exposing the hunter's own position. Passive sonar only listens to underwater sounds generated by external marine vessels without emitting sound pulses.

Q4: What is an Inflation Diffusion Index and why is it monitored by central banks?

An inflation diffusion index tracks the proportion of items within the CPI basket whose prices are rising above a specified threshold. It reveals whether price surges are isolated to temporary supply disruptions (e.g., tomatoes) or generalizing across the entire economy.

Q5: How does this Daily Quiz help in UPSC Prelims 2027 preparation?

By pairing daily current affairs developments with authentic UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs), aspirants master both conceptual elimination skills and the exact testing patterns favored by the Commission.

Daily Prelims Practice Engine
14 October 2026 | 20 Questions (10 Current Affairs + 10 Authentic PYQs)
Language:
Attempted: 0 / 20
Current Score: 0 / 20
Q1 - Current Affairs (Expected) GS-II & GS-III: Urban Livelihoods & Vulnerable Sections
With reference to the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), consider the following statements:
1. It is implemented under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to reduce poverty and vulnerability among urban poor households.
2. Under the mission, eligible urban Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are provided with a seed revolving fund to promote internal thrift and micro-lending.
3. The mission's mandate strictly excludes street vendors and urban homeless shelters, which are governed under separate rural schemes.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q2 - UPSC CSE PYQ (2020) Theme: Microfinance & SHG-Bank Linkage
With reference to the Self Help Groups (SHGs) and the SHG-Bank Linkage Programme in India, consider the following statements:
1. The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme was launched by NABARD.
2. In an SHG, all members of a group take responsibility for a loan that an individual member takes.
3. The Regional Rural Banks and Scheduled Commercial Banks support SHGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q3 - Current Affairs (Expected) GS-II & GS-III: BIMSTEC & Regional Security
With reference to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and regional security cooperation, consider the following statements:
1. BIMSTEC was established through the Bangkok Declaration in 1997 and links countries of South Asia and Southeast Asia.
2. The 'Delhi Declaration' adopted at the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting commits member nations to deny safe havens to terrorist networks and strengthen mutual legal assistance.
3. All member countries of BIMSTEC are contiguous land neighbours of India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q4 - UPSC CSE PYQ (2022) Theme: Regional Groupings Membership
Consider the following countries:
1. Bangladesh
2. Bhutan
3. India
4. Maldives
5. Nepal
6. Sri Lanka
Which of the above are members of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)?
Q5 - Current Affairs (Expected) GS-II: Fundamental Rights & Public Order
Consider the following statements regarding the right to peaceful assembly and preventive policing in India:
1. The freedom to assemble peaceably and without arms under Article 19(1)(b) is subject to reasonable restrictions on the grounds of sovereignty and integrity of India and public order.
2. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 empowers an Executive Magistrate to issue directions in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger.
3. In the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (2018) judgment, the Supreme Court held that peaceful assemblies can be subjected to perpetual, blanket bans across municipal jurisdictions without justification.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q6 - UPSC CSE PYQ (2021) Theme: Arbitrary Executive Power vs Fundamental Rights
A legislation that confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of the application of law violates which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India?
A) Article 14
B) Article 28
C) Article 32
D) Article 44
Q7 - Current Affairs (Expected) GS-III: Defence Technology & Maritime Security
With reference to Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC) like INS Mangrol, consider the following statements:
1. They are specifically configured to operate in shallow littoral zones where acoustic reverberation and ambient noise complicate submarine detection.
2. Active sonar systems work purely by listening to acoustic noise emitted by hostile submarine propulsion without emitting any sound pulses.
3. These vessels are equipped with indigenously manufactured lightweight torpedoes and anti-submarine rockets.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q8 - UPSC CSE PYQ (2016) Theme: Specialized Naval Defence Vessels
Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharani', that was in the news?
A) Amphibious warfare ship
B) Nuclear-powered submarine
C) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
D) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
Q9 - Current Affairs (Expected) GS-II & GS-III: Strategic Autonomy & Energy Security
In the context of international relations and global energy trade, consider the following statements:
1. Strategic autonomy enables a nation to pursue sovereign foreign policy choices based on domestic interests without ideological alignment to any single power bloc.
2. Secondary sanctions are punitive economic measures imposed by a sanctioning country on third-party individuals or entities conducting transactions with a sanctioned target.
3. Domestic sanction laws of a single sovereign state automatically become legally binding on all United Nations members without a UN Security Council resolution.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q10 - UPSC CSE PYQ (2019) Theme: Secondary Sanctions & International Law
The term 'CAATSA' (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act), frequently discussed in international diplomacy, primarily targets transactions with which of the following countries?
A) Iran, North Korea, and Russia
B) China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan
C) Venezuela, Cuba, and Syria
D) Belarus, Turkey, and Myanmar
Q11 - Current Affairs (Expected) GS-II: Federalism & Special Constitutional Provisions
With reference to the constitutional provisions concerning internal security and the State of Manipur, consider the following statements:
1. Under Article 355 of the Constitution, it is the duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance.
2. Article 371C provides for the constitution and functioning of a Hill Areas Committee consisting of members elected from the Hill Areas in the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
3. Under Article 371C, the Governor is required to report annually to the Prime Minister on the administration of the Hill Areas.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q12 - UPSC CSE PYQ (2018) Theme: Special Provisions for States (Part XXI)
Consider the following statements:
1. Under Article 371 of the Constitution of India, special provisions are made for the States of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
2. Article 371A provides special provisions for the State of Nagaland.
3. Article 371C provides special provisions for the State of Manipur.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q13 - Current Affairs (Expected) GS-II & GS-III: Corporate Governance & CSR
With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India, consider the following statements:
1. Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 mandates qualifying companies to spend at least 2% of their average net profits of the preceding three financial years on CSR activities.
2. The CSR mandate applies to any company having a net worth of ₹500 crore or more, turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or a net profit of ₹5 crore or more during immediately preceding financial year.
3. Under current CSR rules, companies having an average CSR obligation of ₹10 crore or more must undertake independent impact assessments for large projects.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q14 - UPSC CSE PYQ (2014) Theme: Scope of Schedule VII CSR Activities
Under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, which of the following activities can qualify as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
1. Eradicating hunger, poverty, and malnutrition
2. Promoting preventive healthcare and sanitation
3. Direct financial contribution to any political party registered under the Representation of the People Act, 1951
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q15 - Current Affairs (Expected) GS-I & GS-III: Himalayan Hydrology & Disaster Risk Reduction
With reference to Himalayan debris flows and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), consider the following statements:
1. A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) can trigger downstream debris flows when surging water mobilises loose moraine sediment on steep mountain gradients.
2. Priority 1 of the Sendai Framework emphasizes 'Understanding disaster risk' through vulnerability assessment and scientific baseline mapping.
3. Under the Sendai Framework, disaster risk management targets apply only to sovereign national governments with no role for regional or transboundary cooperation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q16 - UPSC CSE PYQ (2016) Theme: Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
With reference to the 'Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030', consider the following statements:
1. It is the successor agreement to the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005–2015).
2. It is a legally binding international treaty that imposes financial penalties on non-compliant signatory states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q17 - Current Affairs (Expected) GS-III: Digital Payments & Financial Infrastructure
With reference to digital payment architecture and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), consider the following statements:
1. Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) is the fee paid by merchants to acquiring banks and payment processors to accept digital payments from consumers.
2. NPCI was established as a 'not-for-profit' organisation under the provisions of Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 (Section 25 of Companies Act, 1956).
3. NPCI was set up under the guidance and support of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q18 - UPSC CSE PYQ (2018) Theme: NPCI Digital Payment Rails
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)?
1. NPCI was established to facilitate retail payment and settlement systems in India.
2. NPCI has launched the 'RuPay' card payment scheme.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q19 - Current Affairs (Expected) GS-III: Inflation Dynamics & Energy Transition
Consider the following statements regarding macroeconomic inflation measures and power sector dynamics:
1. Headline CPI reflects price movements across the complete consumption basket, whereas Core CPI excludes volatile food and fuel items to evaluate structural price trends.
2. An Inflation Diffusion Index gauges how broadly price pressures are spreading by calculating the percentage of basket items experiencing price rises above specific thresholds.
3. Plant Load Factor (PLF) is the percentage of thermal electricity generated from imported coal compared to domestic coal.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q20 - UPSC CSE PYQ (2017) Theme: Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Statutory Framework
With reference to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It decides the RBI’s benchmark policy interest rates.
2. It is a 12-member body including the Governor of RBI and is reconstituted every year.
3. It functions under the chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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