UPSC Daily Quiz 14 August 2026

Answer: d

Explanation:

A short video posted on social media in 2024 helped scientists identify Gangaichthys indonepalicus, a tiny, colourless earthworm eel found beneath the Indo-Gangetic Plain in Bihar.

About Gangaichthys indonepalicus:

• It is a newly described genus and species of earthworm eel.
• It is a tiny, colourless underground fish found living beneath the Indo-Gangetic Plain in Bihar.
• It appears to have evolved several adaptations to survive in complete darkness.
• It is the first subterranean, or stygobitic (living underground, beneath the surface of the soil or rock), fish recorded from the Gangetic Basin.
• Measuring around four centimetres, Gangaichthys indonepalicus has reduced eyes covered by skin, a translucent body without pigmentation, and an apparent absence of ribs — features associated with life underground in perpetual darkness.
• The fish belongs to a completely distinct genus within the earthworm eel family Chaudhuriidae.

Hence option d is the correct answer.

News: https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/scientists-discover-first-subterranean-fish-from-gangetic-basin-in-bihar-23644695

Answer: c

Explanation:

Temple authorities have submitted a Rs 114.06 crore proposal to the Centre under the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme to improve pilgrim and tourist amenities at the famous Srikalahasteeswara Temple.

About Srikalahasti Temple:

• Srikalahasti Temple, also known as Srikalahasteeswara Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the town of Srikalahasti in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh.
• It is one of the most ancient and historical Shaiva temples in India.
• It is built adjoining a hill and on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi.
• It is also called as “Dakshina Kailasam”, meaning the Southern abode of Lord Shiva.
• History:
  • The origin of the Srikalahasti Temple dates back to the 5th century when the inner temple was constructed.
  • The outer temple and its main structure were built in the 11^th century by the Chola emperor, Rajendra Chola I.
  • The magnificent Gopurams at the entrance were constructed by Kulottunga Chola I during the 11^th
  • Significant renovations were made throughout the rule of the Chola dynasty, with engravings of the various Chola emperors noticeable within the temple.
  • The Vijayanagara Empire also made contributions to the renovations of the temple.
  • In the 16th century, the empire constructed the majestic 120 metres high main gopuram, known as the Rajagopuram.
  • The temple showcases the Dravidian architectural style with its heavy carvings and sculptures.

Hence option c is the correct answer.

News:https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/states/andhra-pradesh/2026/Aug/14/rs-114-crore-srikalahasti-temple-upgrade-plan-awaits-centres-nod

Answer: a

Explanation:

Two US Army soldiers were killed recently after an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter crashed into an open field near Salado, Texas, during what officials described as routine operations.

About AH-64E Apache Helicopter:

• It is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
• It is widely used for advanced reconnaissance, precision strikes, and close air support missions
• Country of Origin: United States
• Manufacturer: Boeing
• It is also known as the Apache Guardian.
• The AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the Apache used by the US Army.
• Other purchasers: India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and UK.
• Features:
  • Length: 17.8 m
  • Max Speed: 300 kph
  • It seats two service members – a pilot in the rear cockpit and a co-pilot gunner in the front position
  • It has a maximum operating weight of 10,432 kg and can climb up to more than 2,800 feet per minute.
  • It is a heavily armed, twin-engine ground-attack helicopter.
  • Armed with Hellfire missiles, 70 mm rockets, and a 30 mm chain gun, the helicopter can engage tanks, vehicles, troop concentrations, communications and logistics centres, etc.
  • It can also fire short-range air-to-air missiles like the Stinger.
  • The AH-64E includes a new integrated infrared laser that allows for easier target designation and enhanced infrared imagery that blends infrared and night vision capabilities.
  • It can detect and classify up to 256 potential targets, display 128 to the crew and prioritise the 16 most significant threats within seconds.

Hence option a is the correct answer.

News: https://www.firstpost.com/world/texas-helicopter-crash-two-us-army-soldiers-killed-after-apache-goes-down-near-fort-hood-14037834.html

Answer: b

Explanation:

An international research team reports that Petermann Glacier in northwest Greenland calved a 76.4 km² ice island on August 4, 2026, marking the glacier’s largest loss of floating ice since 2012 and the largest Arctic calving event since 2020.

About Petermann Glacier:

• It is a large glacier located in North-West Greenland to the east of Nares Strait.
  • Nares Strait is a narrow sea passage between Greenland and Ellesmere Island (Canada) in the far north of the Arctic.
• It is one of the largest glaciers connecting the Greenland ice sheet with the Arctic Ocean.
• It covers approximately 1,295 sq.km.
• The glacier and its fjord are named after German cartographer August Heinrich Petermann.
• Like most glaciers that discharge ice into the ocean, Petermann periodically sheds large icebergs.
• Petermann’s ice flow has accelerated in recent years.
• Land-based glaciers in Greenland are a major contributor to global sea-level rise, and as global temperatures warm, more ice is expected to melt into the oceans.
• ESA has noted that complete collapse of the Petermann glacier system could ultimately contribute approximately 30 cm to global sea-level rise.

Hence option b is the correct answer.

News: https://phys.org/news/2026-08-greenland-glacier-ice-island.html#google_vignette

Answer: b

Explanation:

Nearly 600 workers in California’s engineered-stone countertop industry have been diagnosed with silicosis since 2019, due to the health risks posed by exposure to respirable crystalline silica during the cutting, grinding and polishing of artificial-stone slabs.\About

About Silicosis:

• It is a respiratory disease which causes a hardening of the lungs.
• Causes:
  • It is caused by silica dust or silica crystals, which are found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite, and artificial stone.
  • It is common in construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery, and sculpting.
  • People working in these industries are often exposed to silica every day and are at higher risk of developing silicosis as a result.
• The main symptoms of silicosis are: a persistent cough, persistent shortness of breath weakness, and tiredness, etc.
• Types of Silicosis:
  • Chronic silicosis: Most common form; generally develops after 10 or more years of relatively lower-level exposure.
    • The silica dust causes swelling in the lungs and chest lymph nodes. This disease may cause people to have trouble breathing.
  • Accelerated silicosis: Generally develops within 5–10 years following higher levels of exposure and progresses more rapidly.
    • Swelling in the lungs and symptoms occur faster than in simple silicosis.
  • Acute silicosis: May develop within months to a few years following extremely high exposure and can cause severe respiratory impairment.
    • The lungs become very inflamed and can fill with fluid, causing severe shortness of breath and a low blood oxygen level.
  • Treatment: There is no cure for silicosis; therefore, prevention of exposure to respirable crystalline silica is critical.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

News: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/us/news/nearly-600-california-workers-have-developed-an-incurable-lung-disease-while-making-quartz-countertops-since-2019-65-needed-lung-transplants-and-31-died/articleshow/133227305.cms?from=mdr

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, tribal leaders have accused the Andaman and Nicobar island administration of seeking to drag the Shompen, an isolated indigenous community into a “modern lifestyle”.

• They are among the most isolated tribes on Earth.
• They are designated as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India.
• They reside in dense tropical rain forests of the Great Nicobar Island of Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands.
• Occupation: The Shompen are nomadic hunter-gatherers, living in small groups.
• Diet: They collect a wide variety of rainforest plants, but their staple food is the pandanus fruit, which they call larop.
• Language: Shompen speak their own language, which has many dialects.
• They are of short to medium stature, have a round or nearly broad head shape, narrow nose, a broad facial profile, and distinctly exhibit Mongoloid features
• Society:
  • They have nuclear families comprising husband, wife, and their unmarried children.
  • A Shompen family is controlled by the eldest male member, who controls all activities of the women and kids.
  • Monogamy is the general rule, although polygamy is allowed too.
  • The Shompen worship the moon, known as Houou, as their goddess, whom they believe created the universe.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/former-ani-chief-secretary-said-shompen-tribe-must-adopt-modern-lifestyle-brought-by-gni-project-alleges-tribal-council/article71337978.ece

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Chester Zoo in the United Kingdom announced the birth of a critically important Indonesian babirusa, when its population is threatened by the African swine fever.

• The babirusa is a wild pig commonly known as “pig-deer”, belonging to a genus called Babyrousa.
• Since 2001, scientists have since recognized three extant species: Buru babirusa(Babyrousa babyrussa), North Sulawesi babirusa (B. celebensis), Togian babirusa (B. togeanensis).
• Appearance: They’re much less hairy than other pigs. Males are the only pigs whose upper tusks erupt through the snout bone and curve back towards their face.
• Habitat: They can be found in moist, swampy forests and in the lush thickets of tropical rainforests.
• Distribution: They are found in the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Togian, Sula and Buru.
• Characteristics of Indonesian babirusas:
  • They are among the fastest runners in the pig family, able to reach 30 miles per hour.
  • They are excellent swimmers, preferring to live near bodies of water. 
  • They are well known for their lower canine tusks which are possessed by both sexes, along with the upper canine tusks that grow only on males.
  • Diet: Their diet includes fruits, plants and small animals.
  • They use their specialised hooves to dig for insect larvae and roots in the ground.
  • Reproduction: They become sexually mature after they reach one or two years of age.  Gestation in females lasts 155 to 158 days and ends with one or two piglets (which is a small litter for pigs).
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/as-african-swine-fever-threatens-to-push-indonesian-babirusas-towards-extinction-uks-chester-zoo-welcomes-critically-important-piglet

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, India welcomed Kenya’s decision to recognise Persons of Indian Origin as indigenous community.

• Location: It is located in Eastern Africa.
• Bordering Countries: It is bordered with Somalia (North East), Ethiopia (North), South Sudan (North West), Uganda (West) and Tanzania (South).
• Maritime Border: It has a coastline on the Indian Ocean to the southeast.
• Capital City: Nairobi
  • Nairobi hosts UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and UN-HABITAT headquarters.
• Geographical Features of Kenya:
  • Climate: Tropical along the coast to Arid in the interior.
  • Major lakes: Lake Victoria (shared with Uganda & Tanzania), Lake Turkana.
  • Major Rivers: It is drained by the Athi/Galana, Tana (Longest river of Kenya), Mara.
  • Mountain Ranges: Aberdare, Mau Escarpment.
  • Highest Peak: Mount Kenya (second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro).
  • Island: Lamu Island, part of the Lamu Archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
  • Natural Resources: It mainly consists of Lead, zircon, iron, titanium, mica, chaum, oil, coal, diatomite, gypsum.
  • Famous Tribes: Samburu, Maasai.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://newsonair.gov.in/india-welcomes-kenyas-decision-to-recognise-persons-of-indian-origin-as-indigenous-community/

Answer: b

Explanation:

The Government of India has invited 100 beneficiaries of PM Vishwakarma from the Delhi-NCR region as ‘Special Guests’ to witness the 80th Independence Day Ceremony at the Red Fort, Delhi.

• It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2023.
• It is aimed at providing comprehensive support to artisans and crafts people engaged in traditional trades.
• Objective: Promoting the socio-economic empowerment of artisans, strengthening traditional crafts and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
• The scheme provides assistance through skill upgradation, modern tools, financial support, digital enablement and market linkages.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
• Time period: Five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28). 
• Eligibility & Coverage:
  • It is available for rural and urban artisans and craftsmen across India.
  • It covers 18 traditional crafts such as Boat Maker; Armourer; Blacksmith; Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; etc.
  • Aged 18+, engaged in traditional trade, no similar loans in the past 5 years.
• Key Features of PM Vishwakarma Scheme:
  • Recognition: Recognition of artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
  • Skill Upgradation: Basic Training of 5-7 days and Advanced Training of 15 days or more, with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day;
  • Toolkit Incentive: A toolkit incentive of upto Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers at the beginning of Basic Skill Training.
  • Credit Support: Collateral free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of upto Rs. 3 lakh in two tranches of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh at a concessional rate of interest fixed at 5%.

Hence only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2299286&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: d

Explanation:

Recently, NASA’s Voyager 2 got a power-saving upgrade and its mission extended by a year.

• It is an unmanned space probe launched by NASA in 1977.
• Primary mission: Its mission was to study the outer planets of our solar system, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune and their moons, and then continue on an interstellar mission.
• It is the only spacecraft to have ever visited Uranus and Neptune.
• Achievements by the Voyager 2 Mission
  • It is the only spacecraft to have visited all four giant planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
  • It remains the only spacecraft to have visited Uranus and Neptune.
  • It discovered the 14th moon at Jupiter.
  • At Uranus: It discovered 10 new moons and two new rings.
  • At Neptune: It discovered five moons, four rings and the Great Dark Spot.
  • It became the second spacecraft to enter interstellar space, after Voyager 1

Hence option d is the correct answer.

News: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/nasas-voyager-2-gets-power-saving-upgrade-mission-extended-by-a-year-1082323