Now Reading: UPSC quiz covers neutrinos, pneumonic plague, Nobel 2026
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UPSC quiz covers neutrinos, pneumonic plague, Nobel 2026
The Indian Express published a subject-wise quiz on Science and Technology as part of its UPSC Essentials series on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. The quiz covers neutrinos, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026, and pneumonic plague.
One question explains that a neutrino is a subatomic particle with no electric charge and almost no mass, and that exploding stars produce enormous numbers of neutrinos. Another question states that the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 was awarded to Henri B Kagan and Kenso Soai for the discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.
A third question notes that pneumonic plague is caused by bacteria and is primarily acquired through inhalation of respiratory droplets, not flea bites like bubonic plague. The quiz is designed to help candidates revise static syllabus topics.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The quiz provides aspirants with factual updates on two recent Nobel awards and a current disease outbreak. The neutrino and plague questions test basic scientific definitions versus transmission modes, a distinction that often appears in the UPSC prelims. The chemistry question demands recall of the 2026 awardee and discovery, a topical addition for the exam. The source leaves unresolved how extensively the Siberian pneumonic plague outbreak will feature in future current affairs quizzes, but the inclusion signals its exam relevance. Aspirants should watch for follow-up questions on the outbreak's containment measures.
Source: indianexpress.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
