UPSC Daily Quiz 19 June 2026

Answer: c

Explanation:

Scientists in India recently discovered a new species of wasp named Spilomena malabarica.

About Spilomena malabarica:

• It is a new species of aphid wasp that hunts plant pests.
• It was discovered in the Kozhikode district of Kerala.
• The scientists chose the specific name malabarica in honour of the historic Malabar region of Kerala, where the type specimen was collected.
• This find marks the 11th species of this specific wasp genus found in India and the 98th discovered worldwide.
• Measuring just over 3.5 millimetres long, this tiny black-and-brown insect shows highly distinctive features under a microscope.
• It stands out from its closest relatives due to a specific wing pattern.
• It possesses only a single submarginal cell, a distinct enclosed area formed by veins on its front wing.
• While it shares this rare wing trait with its closest known cousin, Spilomena unus, the Spilomena malabarica is easily distinguished by its head shape.
• Its head is not unusually elongated; the distance between its eyes and the top of its head is well proportioned; and it features a flatter face, known scientifically as a less convex clypeus, setting it apart from other wasps in its family.

Hence option c is the correct answer.

News: https://researchmatters.in/news/new-plant-pest-hunting-aphid-wasp-species-discovered-kozhikode

Answer: b

Explanation:

NHPC Limited recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for the development of the 3,097 MW Etalin Hydroelectric Project.

About Etalin Hydroelectric Project:

• It is a 3,097 MW hydropower project planned on the Dri and Talo rivers (tributaries of the Dibang River) in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley.
• It is one of the largest hydropower projects proposed in the country in terms of installed capacity.
• It is proposed to be developed as a combination of two run-of-the-river schemes, involving the construction of concrete gravity dams on the Dri River and Talo River, with an underground powerhouse near their confluence close to Etalin village.
• The project is expected to generate 12,752 GWh of electricity.
• The project area falls under the “richest biogeographical province of the Himalayan zone” and “one of the mega-biodiversity hotspots of the world”.
• The project area is dominated by indigenous populations belonging to Idu-Mishmi tribes.
• The project is being executed by NHPC Limited (formerly known as the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation).
  • The project will be implemented on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis.
  • NHPC will be responsible for developing and operating the project for a lease period of 40 years from the Commercial Operation Date (COD).

Hence option b is the correct answer.

News:https://psuwatch.com/amp/story/newsupdates/nhpc-signs-moa-with-govt-of-arunachal-for-3097-mw-etalin-hydroelectric-project

Answer: d

Explanation:

Japan’s Prime Minister emphasized bilateral cooperation in the ambitious plan to build a bridge across Italy’s Strait of Messina recently.

About Strait of Messina:

• It is a narrow water body in the Mediterranean Sea in southern Italy.
• It is an example of a strait that runs through a country. It separates mainland Italy and the island of Sicily.
• It is named after the city of Messina, located on the northeastern tip of Sicily.
• It is a 32 km-long strait that connects the Tyrrhenian Sea in the north with the Ionian Sea in the south. Both are parts of the larger Mediterranean Sea.
• At its narrowest point, the strait is about 3.1 kilometers wide.
• The strait is generally narrow and shallow, with an average depth of 90 m, and is 250 m deep at the deepest point.
• The waters of the strait are known for strong currents, whirlpools, and tidal flows.
• The strait was greatly feared by sailors in antiquity, mainly because of the rocks and whirlpools known as Scylla and Charybdis, which were personified as female monsters in Greek mythology.
• It has a unique marine ecosystem due to its strong water currents.
• The alternating and intense current, abundant phosphorus and nitrogen, and low water temperature support abundant and diverse species.
• It is a migratory route used by fish and other species to access the Mediterranean Sea.
• Every year, several bird species pass through the strait to their breeding grounds in Europe.

Hence option d is the answer.

News: https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/international/3935204-bridging-dreams-japan-and-italys-joint-venture-in-messina

Answer: a

Explanation:

The Indian Army contingent is set to depart to participate in the multilateral joint military exercise – Exercise KHAAN QUEST. 

About Exercise Khaan Quest:

• It is an annual, multinational joint military exercise.
• It is hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces and co-sponsored by the U.S. Pacific Command.
• It aims to enhance interoperability and cooperation among participating militaries in peace support operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• It will enable the participating countries to share their best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for the conduct of joint operations.
• Background:
  • The exercise first started as a bilateral event between the USA and Mongolian Armed Forces in the year 2003.
  • Subsequently, from the year 2006 onwards, the exercise graduated to a multinational peacekeeping exercise.
  • The last edition of Exercise KHAAN QUEST was conducted in Mongolia in 2025.
• 2026 Edition:
  • It is the 23rd iteration of the exercise.
  • It is scheduled to be held from 20 June to 3 July at the Five Hills Training Area in Ulaanbaatar (capital of Mongolia).
  • The Indian Army contingent comprises 40 personnel, including troops from a battalion of the JAT Regiment and personnel from other Arms and Services.
  • The exercise will focus on the conduct of joint planning and tactical drills such as establishment of static and mobile checkpoints, cordon and search operations, patrolling, evacuation of civilians from hostile areas, counter improvised explosive device drills, combat first aid, and casualty evacuation.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News:https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2274656&reg=48&lang=2

Answer: d

Explanation:

Scientists recently discovered a new species of forester moth named Mimeusemia kali in Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats.

About Mimeusemia kali:

• It is a new species of forester moth.
• It was discovered in Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats.
• It marks the first addition to the genus Mimeusemia in nearly 30 years.
• The genus Mimeusemia belongs to the forester moth group within the Noctuidae family.
• These colourful moths are primarily active during the day, although some species are also seen at dusk and may occasionally be attracted to light.
• Mimeusemia kali is distinct from closely related species because of its unique physical characteristics, reproductive structures and genetic features.

Hence option d is the correct answer.

News:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/after-30-years-new-forester-moth-species-discovered-in-karnatakas-kali-tiger-reserve/articleshow/131812083.cms

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad, has developed Smart Seed Coating Technology. 

• It is an innovative biopolymer-based technology.
• It is developed by the ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad.
• Key Features:
  • Multifunctional Layer: It uses biodegradable biopolymers to form a multifunctional protective layer around seeds.
  • Delivery Platform: This coating acts as a delivery platform for beneficial microorganisms, nutrients, micronutrients, crop protection agents, and crop-protection agents directly at the seed-soil interface, improving germination rates and early plant growth,
  • Microenvironment: It creates a favourable microenvironment that promotes faster germination, stronger seedling growth, better root development, and enhanced tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses during the crucial crop establishment phase.
  • The coating can be tailored for a broad range of crops, including cereals, millets, pulses, vegetables, and horticultural produce, and is particularly suited to rainfed farming,
• Significance:
  • The technology is particularly relevant for rainfed agriculture, which accounts for a major share of India’s cultivated area and is highly vulnerable to climatic uncertainties.
  • It aligns closely with national priorities on sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, improved seed systems, and enhanced resource-use efficiency. 

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://ddindia.co.in/2026/06/icar-iior-unveils-smart-seed-coating-technology-to-boost-crop-yields-and-climate-resilience/

Answer: c

Explanation:

The Sexual Harassment electronic Box (SHe-Box) portal has strengthened women’s safety framework under the Mission Shakti initiative. 

• It is a centralized platform for registering and monitoring complaints of sexual harassment of women in the workplace.
• SHe-Box (Sexual Harassment electronic Box) portal was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) in 2024.
• It has been developed to operationalise the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
• Key Features:
  • It serves as a centralized repository of information related to Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) formed across the country, encompassing both the government and private sectors.
  • It provides assured redressal of complaintsand a streamlined process for all stakeholders. 
  • The portal enables real-time monitoring of complaints through a designated nodal officer.
  • It provides single-window access for women across all organised, unorganised, public and private sectors to register and track complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace.
  • The portal enables seamless coordination among stakeholders and strengthens the implementation framework of the SH Act by providing a more structured monitorable system.
  • It provides a secure, confidential and user-friendly interface that enables women to report incidents without fear of stigma or retaliation.
  • The portal is available in 22 languages, including Hindi and English, ensuring inclusivity and wider accessibility across diverse user groups. 

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://newsonair.gov.in/govt-strengthens-womens-safety-framework-with-upgraded-she-box-2-0-portal-under-mission-shakti-initiative/

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI).

• It was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• It aims to promote the production and use of Green Hydrogen, which is generated from renewable energy sources.
• Objective: It is designed to facilitate the development of a market in India, ensuring that hydrogen produced is genuinely green and contributes to reducing carbon emissions.
• Features of Scheme:
  • Green Hydrogen standard: Hydrogen can be officially recognized as “green” only if its non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions do not exceed 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e)/kg of hydrogen, averaged over 12 months.
  • Eligible pathways: Eligible Hydrogen Production Pathways include Electrolysis and Conversion of Biomass.
  • The GHCI operates with four types of certificates—Concept Certificate, Facility-Level Certificate, Provisional Certificate, and Final Certificate. 
    • Concept and Facility-Level certificates focus on design and operational readiness, while Provisional and Final certificates evaluate actual emissions based on production data. 
    • Final certificates are mandatory for facilities benefiting from government incentives or intending to sell hydrogen domestically.
  • The certification also enables producers to access carbon credits under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), subject to additional compliance requirements. 

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2274212&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: b

Explanation:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has approved a major new regulation setting the minimum age for social media use at 15 years which is aimed at strengthening child protection in the digital space. 

• Location: It is a Middle East country that is located on the north east edge of the Arabian Peninsula.
• Bordering Countries: It is bordered by the Saudi Arabia (South and West) and Oman (East).
• Maritime Boundary: Gulf of Oman (East), Persian Gulf (North).
• Capital City: Abu Dhabi
• Geographical Features of United Arab Emirates:
  • Terrain: The emirates comprise a mixed environment of rocky desert, coastal plains and wetlands, and waterless mountains. 
  • Climate: The climate is hot and humid along the coast and is hotter still, but dry, in the interior. 
  • Highest point: Jabal Bil ‘Ays 1,905 m Mountain
  • Major Ports: Port Rāshid and Port Jebel Ali
  • Natural Resources: It mainly consists of petroleum and natural gas.
  • Tropic of Cancer passes through UAE, specifically Abu Dhabi emirate.

Hence only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

News: https://ddindia.co.in/2026/06/uae-sets-15-as-minimum-age-for-social-media-access-under-new-child-safety-rules/

Answer: a

Explanation:

The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is celebrating its 23rd Foundation Day on June 19. 

• It is a not-for-profit organization set up under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
• It was established under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013.
• Aim of NIXI: To promote internet penetration in the country as well as across the globe.
• Its Primary purpose is to facilitate exchange of domestic Internet traffic between the peering ISP, Content players and any other organizations with their own AS number.
• Functions of National Internet Exchange of India:
  • NIXI plays a critical role in strengthening India’s Internet infrastructure by facilitating efficient exchange of domestic Internet traffic, managing the ‘.IN’ and (.Bharat) country-code top-level domains.
  • It facilitates Internet Exchange services, and delegating IP addresses (IPv4/IPv6) through the Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers (IRINN).
  • Through its initiatives, NIXI supports a secure, resilient, and inclusive Internet ecosystem aligned with India’s digital growth ambitions.
  • It operates 79 Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across the country and supports domain names in 22 Indian languages, furthering its vision of a secure, resilient and inclusive internet ecosystem.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2274704&reg=48&lang=1