UPSC Daily Quiz 27 June 2026

Answer: a

Explanation:

The names of six military personnel — five from the Indian Army and one from IAF — who died in the line of duty during Operation Sindoor have been recently inscribed on a wall at the National War Memorial as a tribute to the fallen heroes.

About National War Memorial (NWM):

• The National War Memorial (Rashtriya Samar Smarak) was established in January
• It is a national monument built for giving honour to our brave soldiers.
• It is located in New Delhi.
• It is a commemoration of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers since Independence.
• The main structure has been built in the form of four chakras, each signifying different values of the armed forces, with the eternal flame and obelisk located in the inner-most chakra (also called Amar Chakra).
• The obelisk stands at a height of 5 metres and is visible even from a distance as one enters the complex.
• Surrounding it is Veerta Chakra with six bronze murals depicting different battle actions. Each mural weighs between 600 kg and 1,000 kg.
• Tyag Chakra which surrounds it has been made entirely of granite bricks, each bearing the name of a fallen soldier since Independence.
• The final chakra — Rakshak Chakra — surrounds the other three and consists of over 600 trees that will act as a wall and represent the soldiers who protect the country.
• Adjacent to the main complex lies a tribute to the 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees.
  • Each recipient is honoured by a bronze bust surrounded by a lush green patch, complete with pathways and informative plaques on the courage they displayed during battle.

Hence, only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/names-of-six-personnel-who-died-in-action-during-op-sindoor-inscribed-at-national-war-memorial/article71152029.ece

Answer: b

Explanation:

A team of researchers recently discovered a tough, new species of bacteria named Brachybacterium netajii in the waters of the River Ganges.

About Brachybacterium netajii:

• It is a new species of bacteria.
• It was discovered from the Hooghly (a distributary of the Ganges) region of West Bengal.
• It possesses a remarkable ability to break down toxic chemicals and survive heavy metal pollution.
• It can safely degrade p-nitrophenol (PNP), a toxic industrial chemical, and boasts extreme resilience, surviving high concentrations of toxic heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
• It is also halotolerant, meaning it can withstand highly salty environments containing up to 9% salt.
• Its cellular makeup is unique. It features specific fatty acids in its cell structure, notably ones known as C11:0 and C10:0 2-OH, which are absent in its closest relatives.
• Its genome is packed with unique genomic islands, chunks of DNA likely absorbed from other organisms.
• They contain instructions for producing industrial enzymes and natural protective shields, such as a compound called ectoine that helps it survive extreme environmental stress.

Hence, option b is the correct answer.

News:https://researchmatters.in/news/researchers-discover-brachybacterium-netajii-new-pollution-eating-bacteria-hooghly

Answer: a

Explanation:

At a time when water levels in reservoirs and lakes are receding and groundwater is depleting across Maharashtra, the Lonar crater-lake is throwing up a mystery — its water level is rising.

About Lonar Lake:

• Lonar Lake (also known as Lonar Crater) is situated in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra.
• It is less than 1.6 km in diameter, and sits in a nearly circular bowl.
• It sits inside the Deccan Plateau—a massive plain of volcanic basalt rock leftover from eruptions some 65 million years ago.
• Its location in this basalt field suggested to some geologists that it was a volcanic crater.
• Today, however, Lonar Crater is understood to result from a meteorite impact that occurred around 50,000 years ago.
• It is the only known impact crater lake in basaltic rock in the world.
• It is the only known saline crater lake in the world. Its water is seven times saltier than seawater due to the presence of basalt rock.
• The basin is surrounded by steep slopes and centuries-old temples.
• It has several springs around the lake that supply water to the lake.
• It has several vents around the lake that release gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, etc.
• One of the most striking aspects is its color, which changes from green to pink depending on the season and the water conditions.
  • This is caused by the presence of microorganisms that thrive in the saline and alkaline environment of the lake.
• It finds its inclusion in the Puranas and other ancient scriptures, including the Aaina-i-Akbari.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/groundreport-lonar-crater-lakes-risingwater-level-causes-concern-4052927

Answer: b

Explanation:

The Corporate Mitra scheme will commence with 2,000 participants, including 200 people from the North East region, according to the Corporate Affairs Ministry. 

About Corporate Mitra Scheme:

• It was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27.
• It aims to empower India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through trained and certified paraprofessionals called Corporate Mitras, who will serve the MSMEs.
• Corporate Mitras will provide affordable and accessible support in areas such as regulatory compliance, GST, accounting, financial guidance, cost accounting, and secretarial services.
• This ensures that MSMEs can focus on innovation and growth while meeting the regulatory compliance requirements with ease.
• To ensure reach beyond metropolitan hubs, Corporate Mitras will primarily operate in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
• The scheme shall be implemented in collaboration with following Professional Institutes (PIs):
  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
  • The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). 
  • The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICoAI).
• Through this scheme, youth will undergo a 6-month Academic Course and 6 months of On-the-Job training providing exposure to real-life business environments and employment opportunities.
  • Academic Course will consist of 144 hours of online structured learning and 6 hours webinar/ physical learning).
• Eligibility Criteria for Candidates:
  • Age Limit: Candidates must be up to 30 years.
  • Education Qualification:
    • Graduates from any recognized university or
    • Students currently in their final year of graduation (will be provided Corporate Mitra Certificate only after completing graduation successfully).
  • The PIs will recognize and award the best-performing candidates/recognized firms/LLP for engaging Corporate Mitra for On-Job training.
  • The candidates will be free to select any professional firm/ LLP recognized as “member in practice” by the PIs for On-job training.
  • A minimum prescribed stipend as per ICAI/ICSI/ICoAI norms will be paid by the professional firms/LLP offering on-job training.
  • The scheme will be implemented through the online Swayam Plus porta
    • The Portal will serve as a centralized platform for end-to-end implementation of the Corporate Mitra Scheme.

Hence, option b is the correct answer.

News: https://cfo.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/policy/launch-of-corporate-mitra-scheme-empowering-2000-young-participants-across-india/132027726

Answer: c

Explanation:

The requirement for facial identification of an accident victim to claim relief under the PM RAHAT Scheme has been removed, informed Dakshina Kannada District Health and Family Welfare Officer (DHO) recently.

About PM-RAHAT Scheme:

• PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) is a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
• Under the Scheme, every eligible road accident victim on any category of road will be entitled to cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for a period of seven days from the date of accident.
• This statutory scheme will take precedence over any other Central or State-level schemes.
• Salient Features of the Scheme:
  • Every road accident victim shall be provided with stabilization treatment for up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and up to 48 hours in life-threatening cases at designated hospitals, subject to police response.
  • It has been successfully implemented through the amalgamation of two existing platforms.
    • eDAR (Electronic Detailed Accident Report) used by police officials for reporting accidents
    • TMS 2.0 (Transaction Management System) of the National Health Authority (NHA), used by hospitals for treatment, claim submissions, and processing of payments.
  • While initiating the treatment, police authentication of the victim will have to be initiated on the TMS platform.
  • The hospital would generate the treatment ID(s) on TMS and push them to the district police through eDAR.
  • The time available with police for responding on eDAR shall be up to 24 hours, or 48 hours in life-threatening situations, as decided by the hospital administrator.
  • It will be integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 112, enabling victims, Good Samaritans to dial 112 to locate the nearest designated hospital and request ambulance assistance.
  • Reimbursements to hospitals will be made through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF).
    • In cases where the offending vehicle is insured, payment will be drawn from contributions made by general insurance companies.
    • In uninsured and hit & run cases, payment will be made through budgetary allocation by the Government of India.
  • A complete digital trail for the Scheme will exist from the time of accident reporting through the 112 ERSS platform to victim admission, treatment, police authentication, claim processing, and final payment.
  • Grievance Redressal: Grievances will be addressed by a Grievance Redressal Officer nominated by the District Road Safety Committee chaired by the District Collector/District Magistrate.

Hence, option c is the correct answer.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/facial-identification-norm-dropped-for-pm-rahat-claims-dho-says/article71146892.ece

Answer: d

Explanation:

Recently, a rescued Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and an Asian palm civet () have been released into Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Location: It is located in the state of Meghalaya, within the Eastern Himalayan Global Biodiversity Hotspot.
• It was established in 1981as a protected sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Topography: Features undulating plains, low hills, and rugged terrain shaped by the Umtrew River and its tributaries (Umran, Umling, Umtasor).
• Vegetation: The major part of the habitat is Tropical Moist Deciduous forest with patches of Tropical Semi-evergreen forest.
• River:Umtrew River, forming the western boundary of the sanctuary.
• Flora: Dominant species include Shorea robusta, Tectona grandis, Terminalia myriocarpa, and Gmelina arborea.
• Fauna: Home to over 400 bird species, including the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill, and mammals like the Clouded Leopard, Elephant, and Himalayan Black Bear.
  • Four species of hornbills occur in the area, including the Great Pied, Indian Pied, and Wreathed Hornbills.

Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

News: https://www.indiatodayne.in/amp/meghalaya/story/meghalaya-releases-rehabilitated-pangolin-palm-civet-into-protected-sanctuary-1414584-2026-06-26

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first commercial export of Rewa Sundarja Mangoes from Madhya Pradesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

• It is a highly esteemed variety of mango cultivated in Madhya Pradesh.
• It is known for ripening only after the first monsoon showers.
• It received Geographical Indication tag in 2023.
• Features of Rewa Sundarja Mango
  • Its vibrant yellow flesh is fibreless and smooth, providing a rich, creamy texture.
  • The distinct vanilla-like aroma enhances its taste, making it ideal for both fresh consumption and culinary preparations.
  • It has a balanced sugar-acid ratio, contributing to its unique flavour profile.
  • It has thick peel and has excellent shelf life, ensuring suitability for transportation.
  • Its lower sugar content makes it suitable for diabetic patients while still retaining its natural sweetness.
  • It is known for its exceptional sweetness, rich aroma, fibreless pulp and distinctive flavour.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2278340&reg=48&lang=2

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Euclid space telescope has delivered one of the most detailed views ever captured of Milky way galaxy’s crowded heart and revealed more than 60 million stars in a single extraordinary image.  

• It is a 1.2-metre telescope launched in 2023 by the European Space Agency
• Objectives:
  • It is designed to map large spatial structures, like galaxies, in our universe and help reconstruct how the universe expanded and how galaxy structures are shaped the way they appear today.
  • It is designed to explore the composition and evolution of the dark Universe.
  • The space telescope will create a great map of the large-scale structure of the Universe across space and time by observing billions of galaxies out to 10 billion light-years.
  • It explores how the Universe has expanded and how structure has formed over cosmic history, revealing more about the role of gravity and the nature of dark energy and dark matter.
• Payloads: It has two scientific payloads: Near-Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer (NISP) and Visible Imager (VIS).
  • Visible-Wavelength Camera (VISible Instrument – VIS):
    • It captures high-resolution images of galaxies.
    • Helps detect tiny distortions in galaxy shapes caused by gravitational lensing—a method used to study dark matter.
  • Near-Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer (NISP):
    • It measures how fast galaxies are moving apart, providing insight into the influence of dark energy over time.
    • Developed with NASA’s contribution, including sensor-chip electronics and detectors

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/euclid-milky-way-image-akash-ganga-core-exoplanet-search-2934717-2026-06-26

Answer: b

Explanation:

 India’s ASPIRE scheme is helping transform rural livelihoods by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs with training, incubation and business development assistance.

• ASPIRE (A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship) scheme was launched in 2015.
• It promotes entrepreneurship and employment generation, particularly in rural and agro-based sectors.
• It provides financial, technical, and mentoring support to entrepreneurs through incubation centres and cluster-based development.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises 
• ASPIRE Scheme Features:
  • It promotes rural entrepreneurship and innovation through incubation support.
  • It focuses on establishing Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) in rural and underserved areas.
  • It encourages the development of agro-based and rural enterprises with high employment potential.
  • It supports Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) to promote innovation and technology-driven start-ups.
  • It provides financial assistance for setting up incubators through capital grants.
  • It offers grant support up to ₹1 crore for Government and PSU incubators.
  • It provides grant support up to ₹75 lakh for private or PPP incubators.
  • It provides one-time financial support up to ₹1 crore for operational expenses of incubators.
  • It offers seed capital and risk funding support for early-stage innovators and start-ups.
• Eligibility for ASPIRE Scheme
  • It is open to Government institutions, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and private or PPP organizations for establishing incubators.
  • It is available to MSMEs with valid Entrepreneurs Memorandum (EM) registration.
  • It supports individual innovators and entrepreneurs through incubation and mentoring services.
  • It gives priority to start-ups working in agro-based, rural, and technology-driven sectors.
  • It requires institutions to have adequate infrastructure and technical capability for incubation activities.

Hence only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2278172&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, the Prime Minister of India embarked on a three-day state visit to Seychelles.

• Location: It is an archipelagic island country located in the western Indian Ocean.
• It is located to the northeast of Madagascar and east of mainland Africa.
• Other major islands near Seychelles include Comoros and Mauritius to the south, and Maldives to the east.
• It consists of an archipelago of 115 islands (only 8 are permanently inhabited).
• Capital City: Victoria
• Geographical Features of Seychelles:
  • Climate: The climate is tropical oceanic, with little temperature variation during the year.
  • It is composed of two main island groups: the Mahé group which are mountainous granitic islands and a second group are coralline islands.
  • Mahe Group is volcanic with a narrow coastal strip and rocky, hilly interior; others are relatively flat coral atolls, or elevated reefs; sits atop the submarine Mascarene Plateau.
  • Highest Point: The highest point in Seychelles is Morne Seychellois.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://newsonair.gov.in/pm-modi-to-embark-on-three-day-state-visit-to-seychelles/