UPSC Daily Quiz 14 June 2026

Answer: c

Explanation:

Arbitrage (arb) funds are positioned to take advantage of the mispricing in futures contracts.    

About Arbitrage Funds:

• Arbitrage funds are equity-oriented hybrid funds that leverage arbitrage opportunities in the market.
• The basic principle behind arbitrage is to take advantage of temporary price differences to generate profits with minimal risk.
• These can be a pricing mismatch between two exchanges, different pricing in the spot and futures market,
• The fund manager of an arbitrage fund buys and sells the shares at the same time and earns the difference between the selling price and the buying price of the share.
• The underlying principle is to capture the price spread between the buying and selling, often within a short time frame.
• This is fundamentally different from any other form of investing, where you purchase an asset and wait for it to grow in value before selling it.
• In an arbitrage fund, the fund manager invests in equities only when he finds a definite opportunity to earn returns.
• If there are no arbitrage opportunities available, then the fund invests in short-term money market instruments and debt securities to ensure stable returns.
• The important thing to note here is that the price difference is usually very small. Therefore, the fund manager has to make several trades in one day to book a reasonable profit.
• They are classified as hybrid mutual funds where according to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), at least 65% of the fund’s assets must be in equities and equity-related securities.
• Benefits:
  • Low Risk, Equity-Like Returns: Since the buying and selling are hedged, the risk is minimal, making it an attractive option for risk-averse investors.
  • Tax Advantages: Gains from arbitrage funds held for more than one year qualify as long-term capital gains (LTCG).
  • Liquidity: Arbitrage funds offer high liquidity, allowing investors to redeem their money quickly when needed.
  • Diversified Portfolio: These funds diversify investments across various sectors and instruments, reducing the risk.
• Limitations:
  • Market Dependency: Returns are linked to market volatility; low volatility means fewer opportunities for arbitrage.
  • Short-Term Focus: They may not be ideal for long-term wealth creation.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/189438/OPS/GF4G46N1K.1+G73G47S1R.1.html

Answer: b

Explanation:

Residents and environmental activists have expressed concern after dozens of dead fish were found floating in the Indrayani River near Dehu recently.

About Indrayani River:

• It is a river located in the state of Maharashtra.
• It is a tributary of the Bhima River (a tributary of the Krishna River).
• Course:
  • It is a rain-fed river that originates from the Western Ghats, near the hill station of Lonavala, located along the Mumbai-Pune Highway.
  • It flows eastward, making its way through parts of the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad districts before merging into the Bhima River at Tulapur.
  • It follows a course mostly north of the city of Pune.
• It travels a total length of 3 km.
• The river has great religious importance, and the two sacred towns, Alandi and Dehu, are situated on its banks.
  • Dehu is known to be a sacred place for being the hometown of the poet Saint Tukaram, who was a popular saint of Maharashtra, and Alandi holds the samadhi of the poet Dnyaneshwar.
• The Indrayani also passes through the industrial town of Pimpri-Chinchwad and plays a role in irrigation and local agriculture.
• Valvan Dam at Kamshet, situated on the Indrayani River, is a hydroelectric generating station.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

News:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/dead-fish-surface-in-the-indrayani-river-near-dehu-raising-pollution-concerns-ahead-of-ashadhi-wari/articleshow/131728249.cms

Answer: b

Explanation:

Geochronologists investigating how the Giant’s Causeway was created recently discovered it was formed over 5.5m years, 8m years less than previously estimated.

About Giant’s Causeway:

• It is located on the coastal edge of the Antrim Plateau in Northern Ireland.
• The region consists of 6 kilometers (4 miles) of stepping-stone-like black basalt columns.
• Some 40,000 stone pillars can be found here.
• Each stone is a curiously distinct polygon or hexagon, with seemingly unnatural straight edges.
• The pillars range in height, and shoot up out of the sea, increasing in height until they reach the cliff top.
• This stepping stone or stair-like appearance of the area is where the Giant’s Causeway name is thought to have originated, as the columns look much like steps for a giant.
• It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
• Formation:
  • The rock and column formations were first formed some 50 to 60 million years ago, during the Paleogene Period.
  • The columns originally formed due to extensive volcanic activity in the area.
  • Molten basalt rose up through a layer of chalk beds, creating what is known as a volcanic plateau.
  • The lava then began to cool and contract, which caused fractures and edges within the rock.
  • As the lava flow continued to cool, it receded, leaving behind tall column shapes.
  • Because the lava cooled very quickly, it receded a great deal, leaving behind particularly prominent and large columns.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

News: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jun/15/globally-significant-volcanic-event-giants-causeway-scientists

Answer: d

Explanation:

Every summer, more than 125 quintals of Bhagalpur’s famed Zardalu mangoes are carefully selected, packed and dispatched to the President, the Prime Minister, and other top dignitaries, turning a regional fruit into a symbol of Bihar’s agricultural heritage.

About Zardalu Mangoes:

• Zardalu mango, also called Jardalu, is a unique mango variety from Bhagalpur, Bihar.
• It is known for its light yellow skin and distinct special aroma.
• Its story dates back to the early 19th century when Maharaja Rahmat Ali Khan Bahadur of Haveli Kharagpur introduced its cultivation in the Bhagalpur region.
• The first sapling, planted between 1810 and 1820, still stands in Tagepur village, serving as a living testament to this mango’s enduring legacy.
• The Jardaloo mangoes are available from mid-April through the end of June.
• The fruits generally weigh between 150 and 300 grams, have a rich, creamy, tender texture, and delicate, non-fibrous, juicy pulp.
• As the fruit matures, the skin of the Zardalu mango turns golden-yellow with a tinge of red across the top of the fruit.
• Jardalu mangoes are rich with fibre & enzymes; it’s highly beneficial to the digestive system.
• In 2018, the Jardalu mango received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Hence option d is the correct answer.

News:https://thebetterindia.com/culture/zardalu-mango-bihar-bhagalpur-president-india-gi-tag-story-12031100

Answer: b

Explanation:

Tetanus, once thought to have been eradicated, is resurging in the US.

About Tetanus:

• Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection that affects the body’s nervous system.
• It’s caused by a poison (toxin) made by the bacterium Clostridium tetani (C. tetani).
• The bacterium usually enters the body through an open wound.
• Tetanus bacteria live in soil and manure. They can also be found in the human intestine and other places.
• Tetanus occurs more often in warmer climates or during the warmer months.
• It’s not spread from person to person.
• Anyone can get tetanus, but the disease is particularly common and serious in newborn babies and pregnant women who have not been sufficiently immunized with tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccines.
• Symptoms:
  • Once inside the body, tetanus toxins interfere with the release of neurotransmitters, leading to muscle contractions and intractable spasms.
  • Symptoms typically occur between 3 and 21 days (average 8 days) after exposure.
  • The early hallmark of tetanus is ‘lockjaw’, hence the name. It is a painful condition in which the jaw cannot move or open properly.
  • Other symptoms include:
    • Trouble swallowing
    • Sudden, involuntary muscle spasms — often in the stomach
    • Painful muscle stiffness throughout the body
    • Seizures (jerking or staring)
    • Headache
    • Fever and sweating
    • Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
  • The disease can cause serious health problems such as laryngospasm (uncontrolled tightening of the vocal cords), fractures, pulmonary embolism (blockage in the lungs caused by a blood clot), aspiration pneumonia (lung infection from inhaling saliva or vomit), and breathing difficulties.
  • In severe cases, tetanus can lead to death.
• Treatment:
  • There’s no cure for tetanus.
  • Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications until the effects of the tetanus toxin resolve.
  • People who recover from tetanus do not have natural immunity and can be infected again.
• Prevention:
  • Tetanus is completely preventable by being immunized (vaccinated).
  • Immunization usually protects against tetanus infection for 10 years.
  • The childhood schedule includes five doses, followed by boosters in adolescence and every 10 years.
  • Pregnant women are also advised to receive Tdap to protect their newborns.

Hence option b is the correct answer.

News:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/wellness/deadly-lockjaw-disease-climbs-in-the-us-symptoms-and-precautions-you-should-know/articleshow/131719398.cms

Answer: d

Explanation:

India’s first 8-lane tunnel is all set to open which is built beneath the Mukundra hills tiger reserve.

• Location: It is located in the state of Rajasthan.
• It is also known as the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It is situated in a valley formed by two parallel mountains, viz. Mukundra and Gargola.
• It encompasses the area of Mukandra National Park, Darrah Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary, and part of Chambal Sanctuary (from Garadia Mahadev to Jawahar Sagar Dam), forming its core/critical tiger habitat. 
• It is strategically located between Ranthambore and Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, making it a vital corridor for tiger movement.
• River: It is located on the eastern bank of the Chambal River and is drained by its tributaries.
• Vegetation: Dry Deciduous Forest
• Flora: Kala Dhok, or Kaladhi, is the predominant species, along with Khair, Ber, Kakan, Raunj, etc.
• Fauna: Leopard, Sloth bear, Nilgai, Chinkara, Spotted Deer, Small Indian Civet, Toddy Cat, Jackal, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Common Langur, etc.

Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

News: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/indias-first-8-lane-tunnel-beneath-a-tiger-reserve-is-set-to-open-on-june-20-what-travellers-need-to-know/articleshow/131721631.cms

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes have launched the India–France ATL Bridge to strengthen innovation-led cooperation between the two countries.

• It is led by the NITI Aayog was established in 2016 as an opportunity to improve the entrepreneurial and innovative culture of Indian administration.
• It aims to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across India. 
• Objectives
  • Encourage creativity as the foundation for strategic planning across various sectors
  • Facilitating collaboration by providing a platform for diverse stakeholders
  • Serving as a central body to oversee and integrate the nation’s technological infrastructure.
• The NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has launched several key initiatives to foster innovation and entrepreneurship:
• Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL)
  • It is designed to spark creativity and innovation among young minds.
  • It provides access to advanced technology for students who are 12 years and above.
  • It focus is on teaching concepts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) using modern tools and equipments.
• Atal Incubation Centres (AIC): It actively supports innovative entrepreneurs to enhance accessibility, sustainability, and scalability.
  • It aims to establish world-class startups and long-term businesses in 110 smart cities and the top five institutions in each state.
  • It provides infrastructure, mentorship, and access to funding to help innovators thrive in their fields.
• Atal Research and Innovation for Small Businesses (ARISE)
  • It aims to enhance the performance of Indian startups and MSMEs by fostering research and technology-driven initiatives.
  • It focuses on creating a steady pipeline of innovative products, with initial clients being Central Government Ministries/Departments.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-france-launch-atl-bridge-to-connect-school-innovation-labs-boost-youth-innovation/

Answer: c

Explanation:

A new study published in Science has reported the first global map of the earth’s vast underground network of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi.

• These are groups of root obligate biotrophs belonging to the phylum Glomeromycota.
• These are soil-borne microorganisms form symbiotic associations with approximately with 80% of terrestrial vascular plants.
• Structure: These are made up of tiny branching threads called hyphae.
• These hyphal networks form two-way pipes to channel nutrients and carbon to and from plants.
• Grassland ecosystems like those in South Sudan, the Tibetan plateau, and India’s Banni grasslands house 40% of the world’s AM fungal networks.
• It networks also weigh around 300 million tonnes of carbon, which is four- to six-times the weight of the entire human population.
• Ecological Role:
  • They are considered natural biofertilizers which provide the host with water, nutrients, and pathogen protection.
  • They provide nutrients and water in exchange for the carbon produced by the plants, and helps to regulate the climate by drawing carbon into soils.
  • It formed symbiotic relationships with 70% of plant species, trading nutrients for carbon and sequesters an estimated 4 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent a year.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/the-giant-world-of-fungi/article71100234.ece

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently, the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has released the first scientific assessment report on the greater hog badger (Arctonyx collaris).

• It is a nocturnal small burrowing omnivore mammal.
• It is called ‘mati gahori’ in Assamese.
• Globally, there are three extant species of this mammal—the greater hog badger, the northern hog badger (Arctonyx albogularis), and the Sumatran hog badger (Arctonyx hoevenii). The first two are found in India.
• Appearance:
  • It possesses an elongated pig-like snout and modified teeth which point forward and are used for turning over the soil.
  • Its body fur is dark grey to brownish.
• Distribution: It is distributed across parts of South, Central, and Southeast Asia.
  • Its range extends from Bangladesh and northeastern India eastwards through Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR and Vietnam.
• Habitat: They live in tropical evergreen forests, savanna, grasslands and shrubland, hills, and mountains.
• Characteristics:
  • It is a ground-dwelling very shy and leads a secretive solitary life.
  • These are territorial creatures that mark their territories with their scents on the grass, rocks, and tree trunks.
  • They are excellent burrowers and dig into the ground to create burrows for shelter and to find their food.
  • Diet: Its diet includes worms, insects, small mammals but also fruits, tubers, and roots.
• Ecological Role:
  • It contributes to ecosystem function as a highly fossorial mammal (a term for animals adapted for digging, burrowing, or living primarily underground) through soil disturbance, nutrient redistribution, and leaf litter turnover during foraging.
  • Such digging behaviour enhances soil aeration and may facilitate seed germination and micro-habitat formation for invertebrates and small vertebrates.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule I

Hence only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/assam/kaziranga-releases-first-scientific-report-on-greater-hog-badger/article71098184.ece

Answer: a

Explanation:

 Recently, Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party has won the Parliamentary election. 

• Location: It is a landlocked country, located in the south of Caucasus mountain range.
• Bordering Countries: It is bounded by Georgia in the north, Azerbaijan in the east, Iran in the southeast and Turkey in the west. 
• Capital: Yerevan.
• Geographical Features of Armenia:
  • Climate: It is impacted by highland continental, hot summers, cold winter climate.
  • Terrain: The Lesser (or Little) Caucasus Mountains dominate much of Armenia’s landscape. 
    • Much of Armenia’s soil—formed partly by residues of volcanic lava—is rich in nitrogen, potash, and phosphates. 
  • Highest Peak: Mount Aragats (4,090 m) which is an extinct volcanic peak.
  • Rivers:  Aras, Hrazdan, Arpa, and Vorotan, rivers which provide hydropower and irrigation facilities to the country.
  • Lakes: Lake Sevan is the largest lake of Armenia.
  • Natural resources: It consists of small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, bauxite.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://newsonair.gov.in/armenias-ruling-civil-contract-party-wins-parliamentary-election/