UPSC Daily Quiz 13 January 2026

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, Kerala government has asked the Union government to consider instituting ‘catastrophe bonds’or CAT bonds as protection against disaster-linked losses.

• These are insurance-linked securities that transfer the financial risks from natural disasters from the bond issuer to the capital market.
• These are a unique hybrid insurance-cum-debt financial product that transforms insurance cover into a tradable security.
  • At present, the financial risk is fully borne by the State or Central governments.
• Key Stakeholders and Mechanism of Catastrophe Bonds:
  • These bonds are sponsored by sovereign governments, who pay premiums.
  • These are issued through intermediaries, such as the World Bank or Asian Development Bank, to reduce issuance risks.
  • These are purchased by global investors, including pension funds, hedge funds, and family offices, who are attracted by high returns and the diversification benefits of non-market correlated risks.
  • The risk level and frequency of disaster occurrence directly influence coupon rates.
    • For instance, earthquake-related bonds often offer lower premiums (1-2%) compared to those covering cyclones or hurricanes.
  • Global scene: Mexico and the Philippines have been using CAT bonds to protect themselves against disaster-linked losses.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-asks-centre-to-issue-catastrophe-bonds-as-protection-against-disaster-linked-financial-risks/article70497848.ece

Answer: a

Explanation:

The Bhadrakali inscription is a key 12th-century record that confirms the history and development of Somnath Temple and patronage given by the Solanki dynasty.

• Location: It is situated in Prabhas Patan, Gujarat specifically on the wall of the Bhadrakali Temple.
• It was carved in 1169 CE (Valabhi Samvat 850 and Vikram Samvat 1255) and currently protected by the State Department of Archaeology,
• It is a eulogistic inscription of Param Pashupata Acharya Shriman Bhavabrihaspati, the (spiritual preceptor of Maharajadhiraj Kumarapala of Anhilwad Patan).
• Historical Details in Bhadrakali Inscription
  • This inscription records the ancient and medieval history of the Somnath Temple of Gujarat.
  • It mentions the construction of Somnath Temple in all four yugas.
  • Accordingly, in the Satya Yuga, Chandra (Soma) built it of gold; in the Treta Yuga, Ravana built it of silver; in the Dvapara Yuga, Shri Krishna built it of wood; and in the Kali Yuga, King Bhimdev Solanki constructed a beautifully artistic stone temple.
  • The historic Bhadrakali inscription reflects the devotion of the Solanki rulers and scholars like Bhavabrihaspati. 
• Protection: State Department of Archaeology, Gujarat

Hence option (a) is the correct answer.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2213389&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation & Indian Army conducted successful trials of indigenous Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile Weapon System.

• It is indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The system consisted of the MPATGM, Launcher, Target Acquisition System, and the Fire Control Unit.
• It is the third-generation “fire and forget” missile.
• Features of Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile Weapon System:
  • It incorporates cutting-edge indigenous technologies, including ;
    • An Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker, all-electric control actuation system, advanced fire control system, tandem warhead, propulsion system and a high-performance sighting system.
  • The IIR seeker provides robust day-and-night operational capability.
  • The tandem warhead is designed to defeat modern main battle tanks equipped with advanced armour protection.
  • The missile can be launched from a tripod-mounted system as well as from a military vehicle-based launcher, enhancing its operational flexibility.
  • Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) are the development-cum-production partners (DcPP) for the MPATGM.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2017876&reg=3&lang=2

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen announced a new Constitution for the “State of South Arabia”.

• Location: It is situated at the south-western corner of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia.
• Borders: It shares Saudi Arabia (North) and Oman (East).
• Coastline & Strategic Importance:
  • Red Sea (West), Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Guardafui Channel (South).
  • Yemen is strategically located at the entrance of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The strait links the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea via the Gulf of Aden.
• Capital City: Sanaa
• Geographical Features of Yemen
  • Climate: It lies in the border zone between two main weather patterns: the regular northerly winds (from the Mediterranean basin) and the southwest monsoon winds.
  • Highest Point: Yemen’s highest point is Jabal an Nabi Shu’ayb at 3,760 m. 
  • Desert: Rub’ Al Khali Desert.
  • There are no perennial lakes and rivers. 

Hence only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/southern-transitional-council-yemens-separatists/article70494526.ece

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Special Secretary Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) inaugurated Indian Customs Electronic Gateway–Land Port Management System (ICEGATE–LPMS) at the Integrated Check Post (ICP), at Agartala, Tripura.

• It is known as ICEGATE which was established in 2007.
• It is the national portal of Indian Customs of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
• It provides e-filing services to the Trade, Cargo Carriers and other Trading Partners electronically.
• It serves as a centralized hub for all electronic interactions between Indian customs and the trading community.
• It is the main infrastructure for connecting trade users with the Indian government’s customs department, and acts as a hub for exchanging information between external trading partners involved in international trading.
• It is internally linked with multiple partner agencies including RBI, Banks, DGFT, DGCIS, Ministry of Steel, Directorate of Valuation and other various Partner Government Agencies involved in EXIM.
• Functions: It collectively contributes to streamlining customs procedures, enhancing trade facilitation, and promoting transparency and efficiency in cross – border trade activities in India by providing multiple features for its users.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2213816&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, Mustard Crop increasingly susceptible to infestation by Orobanche aegyptiaca.

• It is a predominantly self-pollinating crop.
• Common Name: Sarason (Hindi), Rai (Punjabi), Katuku (Tamil), Kaduk (Malayalam), Avalu (Telugu). 
• Crop Season:Rabi season 
• Mustard seeds and its oil is used for culinary purpose. Young leaves are used for vegetable purpose. Its oil cake is used for feeding cattle.
• Climatic Requirements for Mustard crop
  • Soil Requirements: Sandy loam soil is the most ideal textural classification for the cultivation of mustard crop. 
  • Mustard thrives well in dry and chilled environmental conditions.
  • Temperature: It requires temperatures ranging between 10°C to 25°C
  • Rainfall: An annual rainfall between 625 to 1000 mm is suitable for cultivation of mustard crop.
  • It is highly sensitive to frost damage.
• Major Mustard Production States: Rajasthan (largest producing state), Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-weed-threat-to-mustard-10468243/

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Central Empowered Committee recommended that the Ecologically Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) should be restored to its original 2016 extent.

• Location: It is in the hills of the Anekal range, near Bangalore, Karnataka,
• It was declared a National Park in 1974. 
• In 2006, India’s first butterfly enclosure was inaugurated at the park.
• River: The Suvarnamukhi stream, the main source of water for the animals in the park, runs through the centre of the park.
• Vegetation: There are three types of vegetation that can be found: Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests and Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Forests.
• Flora: Include Narcissus latifolia, Schleichera oleosa, Sandalwood, Neem, Tamarind, Bamboo, Eucalyptus, etc.
• Fauna: Prime habitat for several species, including the endangered Asian Elephant, Indian gaur, Tiger, Sambar deer, Spotted deer,Leopard, Wild dog, Wild pig, Sloth bear, Common mongoose, Pangolin, Slender loris, Black-naped hare, etc.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/bannerghatta-national-park-esz-cec-report-10465982/

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the National Cooperative Sugar Federation sought government intervention amid falling sugar prices.

• It was established in 1960 to build a strong and vibrant co-operative sugar sector in India. 
• Genesis of National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited:
  • It was registered as a Multi-Unit Cooperative Society on December 2, 1960 under the provisions of Bombay Cooperative Societies Act 1925.
  • In 1972, it was deemed to be under The Delhi Cooperative Societies Act 1972 and later under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act 1984.
  • Since, 2002, NFCSF is deemed to be under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
• Functions of National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited:
  • It participates in sugar policy formulation at national and state level and helps set agenda for the development and growth of the sector in India.
  • It advocates, promotes and safeguards the collective interests of its members in accordance with the cooperative principles.
  • The NFCSF also offers Techno-commercial services to establish, expand and modernize sugar factories, within India and Overseas.
• Governance: It functions under the overall guidance of an elected Board of Directors, comprising of representatives of Cooperative Sugar Factories and State Sugar Federations across India. 

Hence all statements are correct.

News: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/national-cooperative-sugar-federation-seeks-government-intervention-amid-falling-sugar-prices/

Answer: d

Explanation:

Recently, the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory established the National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NESL).

• It was established to test and recalibrate instruments used for air pollution monitoring systems and environmental sensors under Indian environmental conditions.
• It provides ensured credible data for the National Clean Air Programme.
• Location: CSIR–National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi
• Features of National Environmental Standard Laboratory:
  • NESL allowed manufacturers, industries, and municipal agencies to validate performance within the country,
  • It provides Industrial emission audits, and smart-city monitoring networks, and provided reference gases, protocols.
• Significance: It is expected to help MSMEs, start-ups, and indigenous manufacturers to demonstrate product quality at lower cost, meet tightening regulatory guidelines on quality and transparency.

Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2212468&reg=3&lang=2

Answer: d

Explanation:

Recently, the National Dam Safety Authority has issued a show-cause notice to the Narmada Valley Development Authority over safety concerns at Bargi Dam. 

• It is a major multi-purpose dam, serving irrigation, water supply, and power generation. 
• It is on the Narmada River.
• Location: It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
• Out of 30 major dam projects on Narmada river, it is one of the first completed dam on river.
• Bargi dam construction started in year 1974 and completed in year 1990.
• It was constructed as part of the Narmada Valley Development Project.

Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

News: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/dams/threat-to-safety-of-bargi-dam-ndsa-issues-show-cause-notice-to-narmada-valley-development-authority