Current Affairs MCQs – August 20, 2026

 Zhuque-3, recently seen in the news, is related to which one of the following?

1. Reusable rocket technology
2. Space-based solar power
3. Hypersonic passenger aircraft
4. Nuclear-powered spacecraft

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• China successfully recaptured the first stage of a rocket, Zhuque-3, on land for first time.
• It is the second time China recovered a rocket stage, following a successful recovery on a sea platform in July.
• Falcon 9 is world’s first orbital class reusable rocket designed by SpaceX; ISRO’s Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) is an effort towards developing essential technologies for a fully reusable launch vehicle.

Answer: (a) Reusable rocket technology; Difficulty Level: Easy

 Consider the following statements with reference to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC):

1. The NCDRC is the apex body in the three-tier consumer dispute redressal mechanism in India.
2. It has original jurisdiction over consumer complaints where the value of the goods or services paid as consideration exceeds ₹2 crore.
3. An order passed by the NCDRC can be appealed against before the Supreme Court within 30 days.
4. The NCDRC has powers equivalent to those of a civil court in matters such as summoning witnesses and requiring discovery and production of documents

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) is the apex body in India’s three-tier consumer dispute redressal mechanism. The other two levels are the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (SCDRCs) and District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (DCDRCs).

Statement 2 is correct

• The NCDRC has original jurisdiction over consumer complaints where the value of the goods or services paid as consideration exceeds ₹2 crore, as per the applicable pecuniary jurisdiction framework.

Statement 3 is correct

• An appeal against an original order of the NCDRC lies before the Supreme Court within 30 days, subject to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act.

Statement 4 is correct

• The NCDRC possesses powers similar to those of a civil court for specified purposes. These include summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses, examining them on oath, and requiring the discovery and production of documents.

Answer: (d) All four; Difficulty Level: Medium

Consider the following statements with reference to Sea Urchins:

1. Sea urchins belong to the phylum Echinodermata, which also includes sea cucumbers, brittle stars, and sea lilies.
2. Sea urchins are exclusively herbivorous and feed only on algae and other marine plants.
3. Aristotle’s lantern is a specialized chewing apparatus found in sea urchins and helps them scrape and consume food.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

• IIT Mandi developed a sea urchin-inspired coating using tiny hydroxyapatite structures on biodegradable 3D-printed plastic scaffolds, which mechanically disrupt bacteria while promoting better bone integration, addressing infection and poor implant integration

Statement 1 is correct

• Sea urchins are echinoderms, along with sea cucumbers, brittle stars, sea lilies and starfish.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Sea urchins are generally omnivorous, with algae forming a major part of their diet, but some species also consume animal matter such as mussels and sponges.

Statement 3 is correct

• Aristotle’s lantern is a distinctive five-toothed chewing apparatus used by sea urchins for feeding.

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

 Consider the following:

1. United States
2. Israel
3. China
4. Russia
5. India

How many of the above are members of the International Criminal Court?

1. Only two
2. Only three
3. All five
4. None

Explanation

• United States sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye over investigations targeting officials from non-member nations.

• Sanction Framework: Executive Order 14203 sanctions any foreign person aiding the ICC against “protected persons,” which include US citizens and nationals of other non-consenting allied nations.
  • The framework uses the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to freeze US assets of designated individuals, block financial access, and restrict visas.

Option (d) is correct

• The ICC, established under the 1998 Rome Statute and operational since 2002, is the world’s only permanent international criminal tribunal. Headquarters: Hague, Netherlands.
• The court tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes, including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
• It acts under the Principle of Complementarity, intervening only as a last resort when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute.
• Members: 125 countries; Ukraine became the 125^th member in 2025. Notable non-members include the US, Israel, China, Russia, and India.
  • India abstained from adopting the Rome Statute, citing concerns over national judicial sovereignty and the UNSC’s powers to refer or halt investigations.

Answer: (d) None; Difficulty Level: Medium

 Consider the following statements with reference to India’s engagement with the Arctic region:

1. India is an original signatory to the Svalbard Treaty of 1920, which provides it certain rights related to access and commercial activities in the Svalbard archipelago.
2. India has been an Observer in the Arctic Council since 2013, allowing it to participate in the Council’s working groups, although it does not possess voting rights.
3. The National Center for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is the nodal agency responsible for coordinating India’s polar research and Arctic expeditions.
4. Transportation and Connectivity and National Capacity Building are among the six pillars of India’s Arctic Policy.

How many of the statements given above are not correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. None

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• India is among the original signatories to the Svalbard Treaty (1920) and enjoys treaty-based rights in Svalbard, including rights related to commercial activities.

Statement 2 is correct

• India became an Observer to the Arctic Council in 2013. As an Observer, India can participate in the Council’s meetings and working groups but does not have voting rights.

Statement 3 is correct

• The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, coordinates India’s polar research programmes and expeditions, including those relating to the Arctic.

Statement 4 is correct

• India’s Arctic Policy has six pillars: Science and Research; Climate and Environmental Protection; Economic and Human Development; Transportation and Connectivity; Governance and International Cooperation; and National Capacity Building.

Answer: (d) None; Difficulty Level: Medium