UPSC Daily Quiz 26 August 2026

Answer: c

Explanation:

 A novel smartphone-enabled platform employing afluorescence-responsive tiny molecule as a probe offers a simple, cost-effective, and accessible approach for the detection of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarker amyloid-β (Aβ).

About Alzheimer’s disease:

• It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioural impairment.
  • Central to its pathology is the misfolding and aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ), which self-assembles into fibrils and deposits as extracellular plaques that trigger neurotoxic cascades leading to synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
• It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all dementia cases worldwide.
• The disease disrupts communication between brain cells, leading to a decline in cognitive and functional abilities.
• It usually affects people aged 65 years and over.
• Cause: The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
• Symptoms:
  • The early signs of the disease include forgetting recent events or conversations.
  • Over time, it progresses to serious memory problems and loss of the ability to perform everyday tasks.
• Treatment: There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, but certain medications and therapies can help manage symptoms temporarily.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2303169&reg=48&lang=2

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has handed over the ICGS Ajit to Indian Coast Guard.

About ICGS Ajit:

• It is an indigenously built Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs).
• Built By:It is built by the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
• Features of ICGS Ajit:
  • Design and Capacity:It is 51.43-metre-long and 8-metre-wide vessel has a displacement of 330 tonnes.
  • Propulsion: It is powered by twin marine diesel engines driving controllable pitch propellers (CPP)
    • A first-of-its-kind feature in this class of Fast Patrol Vessels, providing improved propulsion efficiency and operational performance.
  • Speed: It reaches a top speed of more than 27 knots and an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles.
  • It is equipped with an advanced integrated machinery control system to enhance operational readiness, efficiency and sustainability.
• Roles: They are capable of multi-mission roles including fisheries protection, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy and search & rescue operations, particularly around India’s island territories and Exclusive Economic Zone.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2303209&reg=48&lang=2

Answer: d

Explanation:

Recently, the monsoon bird survey conducted by the Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division recorded as many as 124 bird species at Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: It is located in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala.
• It was declared as wildlife sanctuary in 1983.
• It is bordered on the northeast by Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu, on the north by Palode Reserve Forest, south by Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Rivers: The sanctuary constitutes the catchments of peppara dam constructed across the Karamana River.
• The major peaks in the sanctuary are Chemmunjimottai (1717 m), Athirumalai 1594 m.
• Vegetation: Forest types include tropical evergreen forests, moist mixed deciduous forests and semi-evergreen forest, Myristica swamp forest etc.
• Flora: Common tree species are Terminalia paniculta, T. bellerica, PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUM, Palaquium ellipticum, Mesua ferrea, Hopea parviflora, Bombax ceiba, etc.
• Fauna: The common mammals found are Tiger, Leopard, Sloth bear, The Asian Elephan, Sambars, Barking deer, Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri tahr etc.

Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

News: https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2026/Aug/26/monsoon-survey-124-bird-species-recorded-in-keralas-peppara-wildlife-sanctuary

Answer: b

Explanation:

Recently, a report says that battery-grade lithium carbonate prices are projected to average around RMB 140,000 per tonne in August, down 10.3 per cent month on month. 

About Lithium:

• It is a soft, silvery-white metal that heads group 1, the alkali metals group, of the periodic table of the elements.
• Properties of Lithium:
  • It has the lowest density of all metals.
  • It is the lightest of the solid elements. 
  • It reacts vigorously with water.
  • It corrodes rapidly in air, is highly flammable and must be stored in inert conditions such as mineral oil or vacuum.
• Occurrence:Lithium does not occur as a metal in nature but is found combined in small amounts in igneous rocks.
  • Lithium occurs primarily in pegmatitic minerals like spodumene and petalite and in saline brines due to its high solubility.
• Major Reserves: Lithium reserves are concentrated in the lithium triangle in South America – Argentina, Bolivia and Chile together host over 75% of known Lithium reserves, forming the Lithium Triangle.
• Applications:
  • It is important in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, and electric vehicles. 
  • Lithium metal is made into alloys with aluminium and magnesium, improving their strength and making them lighter. 
  • Lithium oxide is used in special glasses and glass ceramics.
  • Lithium stearate is used as an all-purpose and high-temperature lubricant.
  • Lithium carbonate is used in drugs to treat manic depression.

Hence only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

News: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/lithium-carbonate-prices-fall-103-energy-storage-cells-extend-decline-as-market-eyes-2027-surplus

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the Prime Minister of India chaired the 53rd meeting of PRAGATI platform.

• PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is the Government of India’s flagship platform launched in 2015.
• It focuses on fast-tracking projects, schemes, and grievance redressal through direct, real-time review by the Prime Minister, in partnership with States and Union Ministries.
• The system has been designed in-house by the PMO team with the help of the National Informatics Center (NIC).
• It uniquely brings together three modern technologies—digital data management, video conferencing, and geospatial technology.
• Key Features of PRAGATI Platform:
  • It is a three-tier system (PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the States).
  • At the apex level, the Prime Minister chairs PRAGATI review meetings with Chief Secretaries of States and Secretaries of Central Ministries/Departments to resolve issues related to identified projects and schemes.
  • The design is such that when PM reviews the issue, he should have on his screen the issue as well as the latest updates and visuals regarding the same.
  • Following the meetings, a multi-tier follow-up mechanism ensures timely implementation of decisions. 
  • Projects are monitored by the Cabinet Secretariat, while schemes and grievances are reviewed at the Ministry level under continuous oversight of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
  • Issues to be flagged before the PM are picked up from the available database regarding public grievances, ongoing programmes, and pending projects.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2303329&reg=1&lang=1

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, India has condemned the attack on peacekeepers deployed with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

About UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS):

• It is a peacekeeping mission mandated in accordance with Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
• Background
• It was established on 8 July 2011, under Security Council Resolution 1996 (2011), following the country’s declaration of independence.
• Following the outbreak of civil conflict in December 2013, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2155 (2014), reprioritizing the mission’s core focus toward civilian protection and humanitarian assistance delivery.
• Key Features of UN MISS:
  • It works to protect civilians, facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, promote human rights, and build durable peace.
  • Peacekeepers help create a secure environment to enable the safe, timely and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to people in need across the country.
  • UNMISS uses targeted good offices and facilitates dialogue between the parties in support of the peace process and to prevent escalation of political violence.
  • It also monitors and reports on progress on security sector and legal reforms as well as election-related process and transitional justice mechanisms.
  • It monitors, investigates, and reports on violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law. 
  • As of April 2026, India was the top troop contributor to UNMISS, with 1,775 Indian military personnel deployed with the UN mission.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://newsonair.gov.in/india-condemns-attack-on-un-peacekeepers-deployed-with-un-mission-in-south-sudan/

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recently, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, has launched the ‘Garbhini Mitra’ course for the 2026-27 academic session. 

About Garbhini Mitra Course:

• It is a structured healthcare skill-development programme.
• It is aimed at training personnel to provide health education, lifestyle guidance and community-level support to women during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
• Implementing Body: It is implemented by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Ayush.
• Course Design:
  • It is designed as a six-month offline training programme running from Monday to Friday between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM,
  • It is based on traditional Ayurvedic concepts of Garbhini Paricharya (antenatal care), Sutika Paricharya (postnatal care) and Garbhadhana Vidhi (pre-conceptional care).
  • It equips participants with practical skills in trimester-specific dietetics, lifestyle modifications, pregnancy-safe yoga, emotional support during labour, newborn massage, and basic life support protocols.
  • The curriculum also emphasizes infection control, sanitization, biomedical waste management, and workplace safety.
  • It also covers infection control, sanitisation, biomedical waste management and workplace safety.
• Eligibility: Candidates who have passed the Senior Secondary (10+2) examination from any recognised board in India and are at least 18 years old are eligible to apply. Candidates awaiting their Class 12 results can also submit provisional applications.
• After completing the course, candidates can pursue roles such as Garbhini Mitra Assistants, prenatal and postnatal care assistants, antenatal wellness guides and maternal health support workers.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://ddnews.gov.in/en/aiia-launches-garbhini-mitra-course-to-strengthen-ayurveda-based-maternal-wellness-support/

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, the National Shipping Board (NSB) held its first ‘Sagar Samvad’ and has proposed a five-point roadmap to add 100 vessels to India’s merchant fleet over the next five years.

About National Shipping Board:

• It is a permanent statutory body established in 1959, under Section 4 of Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
• Function: It advises the Govt. of India on matters related to shipping including the development.
• It has played a very distinguished role in the Maritime development of the country, as its deliberation and recommendations have contributed to the evolution of a sound and pragmatic National Maritime Policy over the years.
• Composition:
  • It consists of Chairman and Members.
  • Six Members elected by Parliament (Four from the Lok Sabha and two from Rajya Sabha from amongst its Members).
  • Such Members of other members not exceeding sixteen as the Central Government may think fit to appoint on the Board to represent the Central Government, Ship-owners, and Seamen.
  • Tenure: The Chairman and other members of the Board held office for a period of two years.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2303260&reg=48&lang=1

Answer: b

Explanation:

Khijadia Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar district has emerged as an important breeding site for the Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus).

About Black-necked Stork:

• It is a tall long-necked wading bird in the stork family.
• Appearance: Adult black-necked storks have heavy bills and a dramatic combination of white and iridescent black plumage.
• The male and female birds look alike but female is distinguished by its yellow eye.
• Distribution: It is distributed in the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia.
• Habitat: They inhabit wetlands, such as floodplains of rivers with large shallow swamps and pools, and deeper permanent bodies of water.
• Features of Black-necked Stork:
  • It is generally solitary and non-migratory.
  • They can also be highly territorial, particularly when water levels fall and food becomes scarce.
  • Diet: It is a generalist carnivore with a varied diet. It feeds on fish, frogs, water birds, snakes, aquatic insects, crustaceans and mollusks.
• Threats: Habitat destruction, the draining of shallow wetlands, disturbance at nests, overfishing, pollution, collision with electricity wires, and hunting.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN status: “Near Threatened”.
  • Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule II

Hence only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

News: https://ddnews.gov.in/en/khijadiya-bird-sanctuary-emerges-as-key-black-necked-stork-breeding-site-in-gujarat/

Answer: b

Explanation:

The Minister of State for Commerce and Industry is going to co-chair the 7th Session of the India-Morocco Joint Commission.

About Morocco:

• Location: It is located in the Maghreb region of North Africa.
• Bordering countries: It is bordered by Western Sahara to the south and Algeria to the east.
• Maritime Border: It has coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north.
• It is the only African country with coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Capital City: Rabat
• Geographical Features of Morocco:
  • Climate: Most of Morocco north of Western Sahara, particularly along the coasts, experiences a typical Mediterranean climate, with mild wet winters and hot dry summers. 
  • Major River: The Mououya River is the most significant source of water in Morocco. Its source is located in the Atlas Mountains and flows into the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Highest point: Jebel Toubkal is the highest point of Morocco and is also the highest peak of the Atlas Mountains.
  • Natural Resources: It consists of iron ore and coal, barite, manganese, lead, and zinc.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

News: https://newsonair.gov.in/mos-jitin-prasada-to-co-chair-india-morocco-joint-commission-session/