UPSC Daily Quiz 21 July 2026

Answer: d

Explanation:

Scientists recently discovered a new species of porcelain crab named Pachycheles ravichandrani living in the shallow coral reefs of the Lakshadweep Islands.

About Pachycheles ravichandrani:

• It is a new species of porcelain crab.
  • While they look like true crabs, porcelain crabs are actually more closely related to squat lobsters, known for their fragile bodies, like porcelain, and tendency to lose limbs easily to escape predators.
• Pachycheles ravichandrani was found living in the shallow coral reefs of the Lakshadweep Islands, India.
• The tiny crustacean, which sports a striking deep-red colour, was found during a survey of the rocky shores of Agatti Island.
• It was found hiding among rock boulders covered in coralline algae at depths of less than one meter.
• It has a unique sub-circular shell and specialised hair-like structures, called setae, along its ridges.
• It has a distinct gap between the fingers of its smaller claw and a unique truncate cutting edge that is not seen in similar species.
• In its natural habitat, the crab is visually distinct, featuring a dark carmine red shell decorated with a white blotch down its back and white spots on its claws.
• Its walking legs are patterned with horizontal carmine stripes.

Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

News: https://researchmatters.in/news/new-species-porcelain-crab-striking-red-shell-discovered-lakshadweeps-coral-reefs

Answer: b

Explanation:

The President of India recently reached Moldova, marking the first visit by an Indian President to Moldova. 

About Moldova:

• Moldova, officially the Republic of Moldova, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe.
• It is situated in the east of the Carpathian Mountains between the Prut and Dniester Rivers.
• It is bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south.
• History:
  • Formerly known as Bessarabia, this region was an integral part of the Romanian principality of Moldavia until 1812, when it was ceded to Russia by its suzerain, the sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
  • Bessarabia remained a province of the Russian Empire until after World War I, when it became a part of Greater Romania.
  • It reverted to Russian control in 1940–41.
  • Again after World War II, it was joined to a strip of formerly Ukrainian territory, the Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, on the left bank of the Dniester River to form the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.
  • Upon the collapse of the Soviet Union in August 1991, this republic declared its independence and took the name Moldova.
• Government: The government system is a republic; the chief of state is the president, and the head of government is the prime minister.
• Capital: Chișinău
• Currency: Moldovan Leu (MDL)
• Language:
  • Romanian is the official language.
  • Russian, Gagauze, and Ukrainian are the major minority languages spoken in the country.
• Economy: Moldova’s economy is primarily agricultural, with wine production being a significant aspect of its identity, as the country is famous for its vineyards and winemaking traditions.

Hence only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2286601&reg=48&lang=1

Answer: c

Explanation:

Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) recently granted market authorisation to Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India’s QDENGA (TAK-003), making it the first dengue vaccine to be approved in the country.

About QDENGA (TAK-003):

• It is a dengue vaccine developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda.
• It is the first dengue vaccine to be approved in India.
• The vaccine has been approved for the prevention of dengue in individuals aged four to 60.
• QDENGA is a live-attenuated (weakened) tetravalent vaccine designed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4).
• It is administered as a two-dose regimen, with doses given three months apart.
• The vaccine can be administered irrespective of whether an individual has had a previous dengue infection and does not require pre-vaccination screening.
• The vaccine has already been approved in more than 40 countries, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Indonesia, and Argentina.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/india-approves-first-dengue-vaccine-for-individuals-aged-4-to-60-years/article71244651.ece

Answer: c

Explanation:

India’s e-Shram portal has registered more than 31.78 crore unorganised workers, strengthening its role as the country’s largest digital database for workers in the informal sector.

About e-Shram portal:

• It was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on 26th August 2021 to support and empower the unorganized workforce.
• It is designed to create a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
• It is the first-ever national database of unorganised workers including migrant workers, construction workers, gig and platform workers, etc.
• Objectives:
  • Establish a centralized database of unorganized workers for effective policy implementation.
  • Enhance access to social security schemes and benefits for workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction, domestic work, and street vending.
  • Facilitate job matching and skill development opportunities.
  • Strengthen labor market resilience by integrating unorganized workers into the formal economy.
  • Promote financial inclusion through direct benefit transfers and digital payments.
• Eligibility for Registering on e-SHRAM Portal:
  • An unorganised worker (UW).
  • Age should be between 16-59 years.
  • Not a member of EPFO/ESIC or NPS (Govt. funded)
  • Possess an Aadhaar card, a valid mobile number linked to Aadhaar, and a bank account.
• Features:
  • Universal Account Number (UAN): Registered workers receive a UAN linked to their Aadhaar, enabling seamless access to benefits.
  • Single Registration Process: The portal streamlines the registration process, requiring minimal documentation such as Aadhaar and bank account details. The ease of self-registration is also available to the beneficiaries.
  • Multilingual Support: Workers from diverse regions can access the portal in multiple Indian languages, ensuring inclusivity.
  • Grievance Redressal Mechanism: A dedicated helpline and support system address workers’ queries and grievances promptly.
  • Integration with Employment and Skill Opportunities: Registered workers can connect with employment opportunities, skilling, apprenticeship, pension schemes, digital skilling, and state-specific schemes through the portal.
  • Family Details for Migrant Workers: Family details for migrant workers are captured, aiding in the provision of child education and women-centric schemes for those who have migrated with their families.
  • Data Sharing with BOCW Welfare Boards: The data of construction workers registering on e-Shram is shared with the concerned Building and Other Construction Workers’ (BOCW) Welfare Boards, ensuring their registration with the respective boards and access to schemes meant for them.
  • Data Sharing Portal (DSP): A Data Sharing Portal has been launched to allow the secure sharing of e-Shram beneficiary data with State and Union Territory governments.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3953033-us-military-enforcement-tightens-amid-iranian-port-blockade

Answer: a

Explanation:

The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy recently commissioned the White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Dissemination Demonstration Network at the Regional Reference Standard Laboratory (RRSL), Bengaluru.

About White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Dissemination Demonstration Network:

• It was commissioned at the Regional Reference Standard Laboratory (RRSL) in Bengaluru.
• It was developed jointly by the Department of Consumer Affairs, CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR–NPL) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• The system disseminates IST, traceable to national time-keeping authority UTC (NPLI), using Precision Time Protocol (PTP)-based White Rabbit technology.
• The system is designed to deliver highly accurate, secure and resilient time synchronisation for critical sectors, including banking, financial markets, telecommunications, power systems, transportation, digital governance and other strategic infrastructure.
• This network has already successfully verified the secure transmission of IST between RRSL Bengaluru and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Chennai.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News:https://ddnews.gov.in/en/pralhad-joshi-commissions-indian-standard-time-dissemination-network-using-white-rabbit-technology/

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Union Minister for Culture informed the Lok Sabha about the Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY).

About Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY):

• It is an umbrella scheme under Ministry of Culture for the promotion of art and culture in the country.
• Under this financial assistance is provided to eligible cultural organizations/ individuals working in the field of performing arts.
• It was launched to promote, preserve, and develop India’s rich art and cultural heritage.
• It has the following sub-schemes
  • Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)
  • Scheme of Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art and Culture.
  • Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture.
  • Financial Assistance for Construction of Tagore Cultural Complexes (TCC)
  • Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists.
  • Seva Bhoj Yojana
  • National Gandhi Heritage Site Mission
  • National Award Scheme
• Features of Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana:
  • Financial Assistance: Provides grants to artists, cultural organizations, NGOs, and institutions for conducting programs and activities.
  • Support for Cultural Programs: Encourages organization of festivals, exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and performances at various levels.
  • Infrastructure Development: Offers funding for creation and modernization of cultural infrastructure like auditoriums, museums, and cultural centers.
  • Focus on Intangible Heritage: Aims to safeguard traditions such as music, dance, crafts, and rituals, including those recognized by UNESCO.
  • Inclusive Approach: Promotes participation from rural areas, tribal communities, and underrepresented groups.
  • Pan-India Coverage: Ensures cultural development and outreach across all states and regions of India.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2286592&reg=48&lang=1

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has expanded the digital services available on the RajmargYatra mobile application by introducing a digital local pass system.

About Digital Local Pass System:

• It enables eligible commuters to purchase monthly toll passes digitally through the RajmargYatra mobile application without the need to visit a toll plaza.
• It has been rolled out initially at the Mundka-Bakkarwala Toll Plaza on Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) in Delhi.
• Features of Digital Local Pass System:
  • Under the new system, residents living within a 20-kilometre radius of an eligible toll plaza can purchase a Local Pass through the app, allowing them unlimited travel through the respective toll plaza for one month.
  • It uses consent-based integration with government platforms such as DigiLocker and VAHAN to automatically retrieve verified information related to a commuter’s address, vehicle registration and linked FASTag.
  • Eligibility is further verified using GIS-based validation.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://ddnews.gov.in/en/nhai-launches-digital-local-pass-margmitra-help-centre-on-rajmargyatra-app/

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) has prevented an attempt to illegally divert an export consignment of 12 crore high-strength Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets.

About Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN):

• It is a central government organization dealing with the international trade of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and Precursor Chemicals.
• It works under the ambit of various United Nations Conventions and the provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
• Nodal Ministry: It works under the Department of Revenue (DoR), Ministry of Finance.
• Headquarter: Gwalior
• Organization
  • Narcotics Commissioner is the head of Central Bureau of Narcotics.
  • A Deputy Narcotics Commissioner is in-charge of each of respective three opium growing States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
  • The Deputy Narcotics Commissioner is assisted by the Assistant Narcotics Commissioner and District Opium Officers.
  • The District Opium Officer issues licences for cultivation of opium poppy as per the General Licencing Conditions notified by the Central Government.
• Functions of Central Bureau of Narcotics
  • Supervision over licit cultivation of opium poppy in India
  • Preventive and enforcement functions especially in the three poppy growing States.
  • Investigation of cases under the NDPS Act, 1985 and filing of complaint in the Court.
  • Issue of licences for manufacture of synthetic narcotic drugs.
  • Issuance of Export Authorisations/ Import Certificate for export/ import of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
  • Issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for import/ export of a select number of Precursor Chemicals.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://newsonair.gov.in/operation-vajra-central-bureau-of-narcotics-seizes-12-crore-tramadol-tablets/

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently, India has deposited its Instrument of Acceptance of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) and became a Party to the Agreement.

About WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies:

• It was adopted by consensus at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva in June 2022.
• It is the first multilateral WTO agreement with an environmental sustainability objective.
• It prohibits government support to illegal fishing activities and overexploitation of stocks, contributing to the protection of marine life.
• The Agreement entered into force on 15 September 2025 after acceptance by two-thirds of WTO Members.
• India is the 123rd Member of the WTO to deposit its Instrument of Acceptance.
  • India has officially joined the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
• Key Features
  • The Agreement focuses on subsidies related to marine wild capture fishing and fishing-related activities at sea.
  • Aquaculture and inland fisheries remain outside the scope of this Agreement.
  • It protects the livelihoods of traditional and small-scale fishers by promoting sustainable fisheries.
  • It prohibits subsidies linked to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and fishing of overfished stocks,
  • It also creates a more equitable global fisheries regime by disciplining harmful subsidies that support large, heavily subsidised industrial fishing fleets operated by distant water fishing nations.

Hence only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2286763&reg=3&lang=1

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently, Senegal’s President, Bassirou Faye, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

About Senegal:

• Location: It is a West African country.
• Bordering Countries: It is bordered by four countries; Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau to the north, east, southeast, and southwest, respectively.
• Maritime Border: The country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
• Capital City: Dakar
• Geographical Features of Senegal:
  • It is a flat country that lies in the depression known as the Senegal-Mauritanian Basin.
  • Major Geographical regions: Cap-Vert Peninsula (It is the Western most point of Africa), Sahelian Zone (Baunez Ridge (648 m) located in this region), Sudanian Zone and Casamance Region.
  • Climate: It has a tropical and dry climate.
  • Rivers: Senegal River (forms the northern border with Mauritania), River Gambia River, Saloum Delta.
  • Natural Resources: Senegal is rich in critical minerals, including titanium, zirconium, gold, and phosphate.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

News: https://newsonair.gov.in/senegals-president-bassirou-faye-elected-as-new-chairman-of-ecowas/