UPSC Daily Quiz 18 July 2026

Answer: a

Explanation:

The Indian Navy recently received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter from the United States.

About MH-60R Seahawk:

• It is a state-of-the-art multi-mission naval helicopter.
• Often called the “Romeo,” it is manufactured by US defence major Lockheed Martin.
• It is an all-weather helicopter designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), maritime surveillance, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and shipborne operations.
• It is the S. Navy’s primary anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter.
• Besides the United States, the platform is operated by countries including India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Greece, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, and Brazil.
  • India signed a deal with the United States to procure 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters in 2020 as part of efforts to modernise the Indian Navy’s helicopter fleet.
• Features:
  • It measures 19.5 m (63.9 ft) in length with a height of 5.18 m.
  • The helicopter can carry a crew of three to four personnel, accommodate five additional passengers, lift nearly 3,000 kg of payload, attain a top speed of about 330 kmph and has an operational range of around 830 km.
  • It can endure airborne for up to7 hours when deployed in undersea warfare missions and up to 3.3 hours in surface warfare operations.
  • It is one of the world’s best submarine-hunting helicopters, equipped with advanced sensors like the AN/AQS-22 ALFS dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and multi-mode radar.
  • The cockpit is also fitted with a global positioning system, an inertial navigation system, a satellite communication system, and secure VHF/UHF communications.
  • It can be armed with Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare missions.
  • For surface warfare missions, the MH-60R can carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, lightweight torpedoes, and machine guns.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/one-more-us-made-anti-submarine-helicopter-delivered-to-the-indian-navy/article71235170.ece

Answer: c

Explanation:

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) recently launched VISHWAS, 2026 to facilitate amicable settlement of disputes relating to levy of damages and penalty-related disputes. 

About Vishwas 2026:

• It was launched by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
• It is a one-time dispute resolution initiative to facilitate amicable settlement of disputes relating to levy of damages and penalty-related
• The scheme provides employers with an opportunity to settle eligible cases through a transparent, fully digital and time-bound process.
• It has been introduced with the objective of promoting voluntary compliance, reducing litigation, and enabling speedy resolution of long-pending disputes relating to penalty/damages while safeguarding the interests of employees.
• The VISHWAS scheme came into effect on June 29, 2026. It will remain operational for six months from the date of notification.
• The scheme will broadly cover four categories of cases, including:
  • Cases where orders for penalty or damages are under challenge before a judicial forum.
  • Final damages or penalty orders where recovery is pending or only partly made, including Recovery Certificate (RRC) cases.
  • Cases where notices have been issued but final orders for damages or penalty are yet to be passed.
  • Cases where notices for penalty or damages are yet to be issued.
• Exclusion:
  • Cases where damages or penalties have already been fully recovered.
  • Cases involving fraud, misappropriation or deliberate falsification of records.
  • Cases where the applicable statutory interest has not been fully deposited.
• Eligible employers with pending disputes can apply through the EPFO Employer Portal using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or e-Sign.
• Applicants must also furnish an undertaking that no further appeal will be pursued in respect of the dispute settled under the scheme.
• Benefits:
  • It enables eligible employers to settle disputes by offering substantially reduced rates for historical defaults (prior to 14 June 2024), subject to payment of the applicable statutory interest and compliance with prescribed conditions.
  • For employers, the scheme presents a valuable opportunity to regularise legacy EPF compliance issues at a significantly lower financial cost.
  • Although the scheme is primarily directed at employers, employees stand to benefit through quicker resolution of long-pending EPF disputes and improved compliance by establishments.

Hence option c is the correct answer.

News:https://newsonair.gov.in/epfo-launches-scheme-vishwas-to-amicable-settlement-of-damages-penalty-related-disputes/

Answer: d

Explanation:

SEBI recently cautioned regulated entities and listed firms against a ‘Boss Scam’, wherein fraudsters impersonate chief executives or senior officials to trick finance teams into transferring funds.

About Boss Scam:

• It is an emerging cyber fraud where fraudsters impersonate Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Managing Directors (MDs) and other senior officials to trick finance executives into transferring funds.
• Cyber criminals are using two major methods to carry out the fraud.
• Under the first method, fraudsters use deepfake technology, including AI-generated voice cloning, fake video calls and false social media groups to impersonate top executives.
  • Finance officials are then instructed to transfer money to a specified bank account.
  • In some cases, they are also told not to disclose the transaction by claiming that it relates to Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI).
• Another method involves sending compressed ZIP files containing malicious executable programs.
  • Once opened, these files can compromise systems and hijack the active WhatsApp Web sessions.
  • The fraudster gets access to the finance officer’s WhatsApp account and then contacts accounts or finance employees, instructing them to make immediate payments to specified bank accounts
  • In some instances, attackers modify contact lists by saving their own numbers under the names of CEOs or MDs, making fraudulent messages appear genuine.

Hence option d is the correct answer.

News: https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/194748/OPS/GRLG90MMR.1+GRHG92CCB.1.html

Answer: a

Explanation:

29 countries recently signed an agreement in Shanghai to set up the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, or WAICO.

About World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO):

• It is an independent intergovernmental international organization headquartered in Shanghai, China.
• It was first proposed by China in July, 2025.
• It aims to promote international cooperation and global governance on AI.
• The organization will uphold the purposes of the UN Charter, be committed to extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, and adhere to a people-centered
• Founding Members: China, Russia, Pakistan, South Africa, Brazil, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Oman, Cuba, Venezuela, Belarus, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Algeria, Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Senegal, Zambia, and Nicaragua.
• India is not a founding member of the WAICO.

Hence option a is the correct answer.

News: https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/world/story/artificial-intelligence-collaboration-xi-waico-shanghai-ai-projects-developing-countries-ptag-2949735-2026-07-17

Answer: a

Explanation:

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) recently launched the E-Commerce Council of India (ECCI), a first-of-its-kind national platform dedicated to unify India’s $120 billion digital commerce ecosystem.

About E-Commerce Council of India (ECCI):

• It is a first-of-its-kind national platform dedicated to advancing the country’s digital commerce ecosystem through collaborative engagement between industry, government, and other key
• It was launched by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
• The ECCI aims to bring together policymakers, e-commerce marketplaces, brands, retailers, logistics providers, technology companies, payment solution providers, startups, exporters, MSMEs, industry experts, and academic institutions.
• The council will focus on policy advocacy, research, and industry engagement across areas such as
  • product and service e-commerce
  • cross-border trade
  • logistics and Supply chain
  • mobility
  • travel technology
  • MSME enablement
  • digital payments
  • consumer trust
  • artificial intelligence.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/iamai-launches-e-commerce-council-of-india-to-unify-120-bn-digital-commerce-ecosystem/article71234602.ece

Answer: b

Explanation:

 Recently, the first meeting of the India-Belgium Strategic Dialogue was held in Brussels.

• It is a Western European nation.
• Bordering countries: It is bordered by 4 countries: by the Netherlands in the north; by Germany in the east; by Luxembourg in the southeast and by France in the southwest.
• Water bodies: It is bounded by the North Sea in the northwest.
• Capital City: Brussels
• Geographical Features of Belgium:
  • Terrain: It has three main geographical regions: the coastal plain to the northwest, the central plateau, and the Ardennes uplands to the southeast.
  • Highest Point: The highest point is the Botrange, at 2,276 ft. (694m).
  • Rivers: The Scheldt, Meuse, and Yser are the three major rivers of the country.
  • Lakes: The country also has several lakes like Lake Genval, Lake Gileppe, Lake Eupen, Lake Robertville, etc.
  • Natural resources: It mainly consists of Limestone, cobalt, copper, iron and steel, lead, nitrogen (ammonia), tin, and zinc.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

News: https://newsonair.gov.in/india-and-belgium-launch-strategic-dialogue-to-deepen-bilateral-ties/

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, BIMSTEC security chiefs vowed joint action against terrorism and endorsed maritime law enforcement principles. 

• The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a grouping of seven Member States lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal.
• The organization came into existence on 6 June 1997 through the ‘Bangkok Declaration’.
• Members: It is a unique link connecting South Asia with South-East Asia – five Members from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka) and two from South-East Asia (Myanmar and Thailand).
• Historical Background:
  • It was formed as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation) in 1997.
  • It was renamed to BIMST-EC with the addition of Myanmar in 1998.
  • It was fully transformed into BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) in
• The BIMSTEC Objectives are to strengthen technical and economic cooperation among its seven member nations situated around the Bay of Bengal.
• BIMSTEC Working Mechanism: It organizes intergovernmental interactions through Summits (held once in 2 years), Ministerial Meetings (Convened annually), Senior Officials Meetings (held twice a year).
• BIMSTEC has identified 14 priority areas of cooperation where a member country takes the lead.
  • India is the lead country for Transport & Communication, Tourism, Environment & Disaster Management, and Counter Terrorism & Transnational Crime.
• Secretariat: Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://newsonair.gov.in/india-calls-for-stronger-bimstec-cooperation-on-security-and-economy/

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Prime Minister of India virtually inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). 

About Amrit Bharat Station Scheme:

• It was launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Railways which aims at development and upgradation of railway stations over the Indian Railways (IR) network.
• The scheme envisaged development of stations with a long term vision.
• The policy is based on Master Planning for long term and implementation of the same as per needs and demand of the station to station.
• The ABSS has a long-term vision that involves creating master plans, promoting multimodal connectivity, better station accessibility for passengers, etc.
• The goal is to make stations cleaner, more comfortable, and easier to use.
• Features of Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
  • Amenities: It includes proving entry and exit points, waiting halls, toilets, platforms, and roofing. Facilities like lifts, escalators, and free Wi-Fi are added wherever needed.
  • Local Economy Support: Local products will be sold at kiosks under the ‘One Station One Product’ scheme, and efforts will be made to make stations look greener and more attractive.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://newsonair.gov.in/pm-modi-inaugurates-75-redeveloped-railway-stations-across-country-under-amrit-bharat-scheme/

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently, wildlife enthusiasts have successfully photographed the rare Laudankia Vine Snake (Ahaetulla laudankia) in Udaipur’s Ubeshwar wildlife area.

About Laudankia Vine Snake:

• Scientific Name: Ahaetulla laudankia.
• It is a diurnal and arboreal species belongs to the vine snake group.
• Appearance:
  • The snake is distinguished by its slender, vine-like body, chestnut-brown colour with fine black speckles and pale white patches on the lower part of its head.
  • It also has a long, pointed snout, large eyes and horizontal pupils.
• Habitat: It inhabits dry deciduous forests, scrublands, hill slopes and other natural green habitats.
• Distribution: It is endemic to India
  • Its known range extends from the Eastern Ghats through Central India to eastern Rajasthan.
• Diet: Its diet mainly consists of lizards, geckos, small frogs and small birds.
• It is mildly venomous and rear-fanged, its venom is primarily effective against small prey and is not considered seriously dangerous to humans.

Hence only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

News: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/rare-laudankia-vine-snake-documented-in-udaipur/articleshow/132369562.cms

Answer: d

Explanation:

Recently, it was observed that the Manasbal Lake is on the path of ecological recovery with the return of migratory birds. 

• Location: It is located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
• The lake lies at an altitude of about 1,585-1,600 metres in the Jhelum Valley.
• It is considered the deepest freshwater lake in India with a depth of about 13 metres (43 ft).
• The name is derived from Lake Manasarovar.
• Surroundings: It is surrounded by Baladar mountains, Karewa plateau in the north and Ahtung hills in the south used for limestone extraction.
• Water Source: It is being fed mainly by precipitation and over 1,200 springs, with outflow regulated into the Jhelum River.
• Physical Characteristics: The lake is monomictic with thermal stratification from March to November, thermocline depth of 9 metres and surface water temperature ranging from 6°C in winter to 27.5°C in summer.
• History: The Mughal garden Jaroka Bagh built by Nur Jahan overlooks the lake, while nearby ruins of a 17th century fort and an ancient temple (800-900 AD).
• Flora: The lake hosts macrophytes (emerged, submerged, floating) and phytoplankton, with plankton biomass.
• Fauna: It supports zooplankton, benthos and fish species such as Schizothorax niger, S. esocinus, Cyprinus carpio and Neomacheilus latius, contributing to local fisheries and economy.

Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/jksmansballake-starts-hosting-migratory-birds-again/article71233500.ece