UPSC Daily Quiz 26 June 2026

Answer: d

Explanation:

A bronze statue of Maharishi Sushruta, revered as the Father of Surgery, has been recently unveiled at the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom.

About Maharishi Sushruta:

• Sushruta, known as the “father of Indian medicine” and the “father of surgery” , was a pioneering figure in ancient Indian medicine.
• For Sushruta, the concept of shalya tantra (surgical science) was all-encompassing.
• His contributions have influenced the field of surgery, especially cosmetic surgery and medical practices within the global community.
• According to medical scholars, Sushruta lived and practiced medicine from 600 BC to 1000 BC.
• Sushruta was believed to be the disciple of the God of Ayurveda – Lord Dhanvanthri.
• He taught and practiced medicine in the city of Varnashi.
• He is known for his pioneering operations and techniques and for his influential treatise Sushruta-samhita, the main source of knowledge about surgery in ancient India.
  • Though composed over 2500 years ago, it contains detailed instructions on surgery and medicine.
  • The Sushruta Samhita comprises 184 chapters. This extensive work lists more than 300 surgical procedures.
  • It describes over 120 surgical instruments and provides details on various types of wounds, fractures, dislocations, conditions, and their treatments.
  • The Sushruta-samhita also provides details on toxicology, pediatrics, pharmacology, and other branches of the traditional system of Indian medicine known as Ayurveda.
  • Furthermore, the text includes descriptions of over 100 medicinal plants, detailing their taste, usage, and effects.
  • It remains one of the most important contributions to both Ayurveda and the early history of medical science.
• Examples of some of his groundbreaking operations include rhinoplasty (the repairing or remaking of a nose), removal of a dead fetus, and lithotomy (surgical incision into hollow organs such as the urinary bladder to remove stones, or calculi).
• He also developed many unique and practical techniques to dissect the human body and study its structure.
• His systematized approach to surgery, with the use of herbal anaesthetics and postoperative care, laid the foundation for surgical practices.
• Sushruta’s emphasis on practical experience, dissection of cadavers, and detailed documentation established standards that continue to underpin surgical education today.
• The influence of his detailing surgical techniques and surgical instruments extended beyond ancient India, spreading to other parts of the world and shaping the development of reconstructive surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and many more fields.

Hence, option d is the correct answer.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/bronze-statue-of-maharishi-sushruta-made-in-swamimalai-unveiled-at-royal-college-of-surgeons-of-edinburgh/article71133608.ece#google_vignette

Answer: a

Explanation:

Uprooting of the highly invasive plant Senna Spectabilis has been going on in Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, and soon after its uprooting, the area cleared will be replaced by grass cover, among other forest plant species, to increase fodder availability.

About Senna Spectabilis:

• It is a versatile, flowering tree belonging to the family Fabaceae native to the tropical Americas.
• Common names: Popcorn Bush Cedar, Archibald’s Cassia, Calceolaria Cassia, Golden Shower, Golden Wonder, Scented Shower, Fetid Cassia.
• It is admired for its vivid yellow blossoms and its capacity to grow in a variety of climates, making it a popular choice as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks worldwide.
• However, this adaptability has led to it becoming invasive in some regions of the world.
• It forms dense, sterile thickets, choking out native plants, altering soil chemistry and depriving herbivores of food.
• It typically grows between 7 to 15 meters in height and has a spreading, rounded crown.
• The bright yellow flowers, arranged in large terminal panicles, bloom from summer to fall.
  • It resembles Kerala’s state flower, Cassia fistula, known locally as kanikkonna.
• This tree prefers sunny areas and welldrained, loamy soils but is adaptable to various soil types.
• Once established, Senna spectabilis can tolerate drought, making it suitable for both dry and tropical regions.
• It is classified as Least Concern under the IUCN Red List.
• Challenges: It has a very aggressive growth rate and degrades lands in forest ecosystems, which make it challenging to control its spread.

Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

News:https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/karnataka/senna-spectabilis-uprooted-to-increase-fodder-in-male-wildlife-sanctuary-1966240

Answer: b

Explanation:

More than 1,000 tiny earthquakes have exposed a deeper, slanted reservoir beneath Germany’s Lake Laach volcano, not the vertical body scientists expected.  

About Lake Laach:

• Lake Laach, also known as Laacher See, is a volcanic caldera lake located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
• With around 3.3 sq.km. and a depth of 53 m, it is the largest lake in Rhineland-Palatinate.
• It is part of the East Eifel volcanic field within the larger volcanic Eifel region.
• The lake is oval in shape and surrounded by high banks.
• It was formed by a massive volcanic eruption around 13,000 years ago.
• Traces of volcanic activity can still be found in the form of volcanic outgassing, the so-called mofettes, on the eastern shore of the lake.
  • Small bubbles rise up in the water – these so-called mofettes are rising carbon dioxide and illustrate the volcanic history of the lake.
• The lake has no natural outlet but is drained by a tunnel dug before 1170 and rebuilt several times since.

Hence, option b is the correct answer.

News: https://www.earth.com/news/germanys-dormant-lake-laach-volcano-shows-new-signs-of-activity/

Answer: a

Explanation:

The Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project in Kishtwar district of Chenab Valley has entered the final phase of construction, with the latest monitoring report of the Centre showing that more than 83 percent of the work has been completed.

About Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project:

• It is a 624 MW run-of-the-river scheme being developed over the Chenab River in Kishtwar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
• It is located between the Kirthai II hydroelectric project upstream and the Kwar hydroelectric project downstream.
• The project will include the construction of a concrete gravity dam with a height of 135 m and an underground powerhouse located on the left bank of the river that will comprise four vertical Francis turbines with a capacity of 156 MW each.
• The project is being developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP), a joint venture between National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC, 49%), Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC, 49%), and Power Trading Corporation (PTC, 2%).
• The project shall provide much-needed power in the northern grid and shall accelerate the process of development of remote areas of J&K.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.greaterkashmir.com/jammu-kashmir/kiru-hydropower-project-enters-final-stretch-completion-targeted-for-december-2026-12069966

Answer: b

Explanation:

State-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited recently secured an order worth Rs 1,109.37 crore from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to supply launchers for helicopter-launched anti-tank Nag (Helina) missiles.

About HELINA Missile:

• HELINA (Helicopter-launched NAG) is an indigenous, third-generation “fire-and-forget” anti-tank guided missile (ATGM.)
• It is the helicopter-based version of the Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).
• The Air Force version of the missile is called Dhruvastra, along with an ATGM version, which can be fired by soldiers.
• It has been developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Features:
  • The Helina ATGM system measures 1.94 m in length, 150 mm in diameter, and weighs 44 kg.
  • Helina missile systems are outfitted with two twin launchers, one on each side, capable of carrying a total of eight missiles.
  • It can cover distances ranging between 500 m and 7,000 m and is guided by an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker with lock-on before launch
    • It means the crew locks on to the target before the launch, and the missile then guides itself to the target without any further control from the helicopter.
  • The missile climbs sharply after the launch and then plunges directly onto the top of the tank.
  • The system is equipped for day and night operations in all weather conditions, capable of neutralising battle tanks equipped with both conventional armour and explosive reactive armour.

Hence, option b is the correct answer.

News: https://www.business-standard.com/blueprint-defence-magazine/reports/what-is-helina-india-s-indigenous-helicopter-launched-anti-tank-missile-126062500822_1.html

Answer: d

Explanation:

Recently, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the first commercial sea shipment of premium Banganapalle mangoes from India to Singapore.

• It is one of most popular mango varieties cultivated in the town of Banganapalle in Andhra Pradesh, India.
• It also known as Beneshan, Baneshan, Benishan, Chappatai and Safeda.
• It is known for its golden-yellow colour, fibreless pulp, rich sweetness and pleasant aroma. The variety enjoys strong demand in international markets and offers significant scope for expanding India’s mango exports.
• It has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.

Hence, option d is the correct answer.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2277650&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate of the Indigenous ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

• It is an airborne radar and command platform built around an Embraer EMB-145 aircraft. 
• It is commonly known as the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) “Eye in the Sky.”
• It is developed indigenously by the Bengaluru-based Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).
• India is the fifth country in the world to develop this capability.
• Features:
  • It is designed to detect incoming projectiles, ships and aircraft at long ranges, differentiate friend from foe and direct friendly fighters in real time.
  • Detection Range: It offers real-time battlefield management, 250-500+ km detection ranges and 300° to 360° radar coverage to track hostile aircraft, drones and missiles.
  • It uses the Brazilian Embraer EMB-145 aircraft as its platform, on which is mounted an active electronically scanned array radar in its dorsal fin.
  • The system encompasses a sophisticated suite of mission equipment, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), mission computer, secure communication networks, electronic support measures (ESM) and communication support measures.
  • Unlike ground-based radar, an AEW&C aircraft operates at altitude, allowing it to see farther over terrain and provide a broader picture of aircraft, drones and other airborne activity.
  • It can also share real-time information with fighter jets, ground stations and other military assets.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2277899&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently, seven endangered golden langurs (Trachypithecus geei), rescued from wildlife traffickers were released in the Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park.

• It is an Old World monkey which is also known as Gee’s golden langur.
• It can be most easily recognized by the color of their fur, after which they are named.
• Distribution:
  • It is found only in a narrow geographic corridor comprising western Assam and the foothills of southern Bhutan.
  • The area they inhabit is restricted to the region surrounded by four geographical landmarks: the foothills of Bhutan (north), Manas river (east), Sankosh river (west), and Brahmaputra river (south).
• Habitat:
  • They occupy moist evergreen and tropical deciduous forests as well as some riverine areas and savannas in Assam and Bhutan.
  • They are very much dependent on trees, living in the upper canopy of sub-tropical forests in the south and in more temperate forests in the north.
  • They may be found at elevations close to sea level in the south and up to 3000 m at the foothills of Bhutan in the north.
• Characteristics:
  • It has been noted that their fur changes colors according to the seasons.
  • The color of the young also differs from adults in that they are almost pure white.
  • These are arboreal and diurnal creatures.
• Conservation status:
  • IUCN: Endangered
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

Hence only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam/rescued-from-wildlife-traffickers-seven-golden-langurs-released-in-assam-national-park/article71144911.ece

Answer: a

Explanation:

 The Union Home Minister is scheduled to chair the 10th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in New Delhi.

• The Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism was established in 2016 for better coordination between states and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• It has been further strengthened through a four-tier system in 2019.
• Purpose: To enhance coordination between the States, the Ministry of Home Affairs and concerned stakeholders in addressing the challenge of the drug menace in a holistic manner.
• It is designed to facilitate better communication, cooperation, and intelligence sharing among law enforcement and drug control agencies.
• Structure of Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD):
  • Apex Level NCORD Committee: It is headed by Union Home Secretary;
  • Executive Level NCORD Committee: It is headed by Special Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs;
  • State Level NCORD Committees: It is headed by Chief Secretaries; and 
  • District Level NCORD Committees: It is headed by District Magistrates.
• Initiatives of Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD):
  • Mission SPANDAN – Partnership with spiritual institutions for awareness have emerged out of NCORD mechanism.
  • MANAS Helpline: A toll-free helpline called MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asuchna Kendra) with the number 1933 has been launched.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://newsonair.gov.in/home-minister-amit-shah-to-chair-10th-ncord-apex-level-meeting/

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recent data suggests that since the mid-1990s, the Caspian Sea has lost roughly 24,000km² of surface area and Water levels have fallen by about two metres. 

• It is the world’s largest water body that is enclosed or bordered by land on all sides. 
• Location: It is located between Asia and Europe.
• The sea’s name derives from the ancient Kaspi peoples, who once lived in Transcaucasia to the west.
• Basin: It is an endorheic basin (drainage basin without an outflow).
• Bordering countries: It is bordered by Russia and Azerbaijan on the west, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan on the north and east, and Iran on the south. 
• The composition of the water of the Caspian Sea also varies from almost fresh in the northern parts of the lake to saltier southwards. 
• Water Source: Three major rivers—the Volga, the Ural, and the Terek—empty into the Caspian from the north. 
• Cities on Caspian Sea: Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is the largest city on the Caspian. Another important city along the Caspian is Iran’s Nowshahr.
• Islands: The largest are Chechen, Tyuleny, Morskoy, Kulaly, Zhiloy, and Ogurchin.
• Resources: It is also known for its abundance of energy resources (oil and natural gas reserves in offshore fields and onshore on the coast of the sea).

Hence, both statements are correct.

News: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/the-caspian-sea-has-lost-an-area-nearly-the-size-of-sicily-human-activities-are-a-major-reason-why