Daily Current Affairs Quiz for UPSC Prelims 2027 — 23 June 2026

Which one of the following conditions is most essential for the formation and intensification of tropical cyclones?

Why this answer

The correct condition is a large sea surface with a temperature higher than 27° C. This warm water provides the necessary heat and moisture, which is converted into kinetic energy through the process of condensation, fueling the storm. Strong vertical wind shear disrupts the storm's vertical structure and inhibits its development. The Coriolis force is indeed necessary for the cyclone to rotate, but it is absent at the Equator, which is why cyclones do not form there. Tropical cyclones originate over oceans, not landmasses, as they derive their energy from the latent heat of condensation from warm ocean waters.

The static concept

Atmospheric Circulation & Weather Systems: Conditions for Tropical Cyclone Formation

Which of the following geopolitical regions is best described by this set of characteristics: a vast semi-arid transitional zone south of the Sahara Desert, a recent 'coup belt' witnessing significant political instability and the overthrow of governments, a persistent struggle against Islamist insurgencies, and a notable decline in French military presence alongside an increase in Russian influence?

Which of the following geopolitical regions is best described by this set of characteristics?

Why this answer

The region described is The Sahel. It is the geographical eco-climatic and biogeographic realm of transition in Africa between the Sahara to the north and the Sudanian savanna to the south. Countries within this region, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have recently experienced a series of military coups, forming a 'coup belt'. This region has also been an epicentre of jihadist insurgencies for years. Finally, the geopolitical landscape has been marked by the withdrawal of French forces (Operation Barkhane) and the increasing influence of Russian private military contractors. The other options are incorrect as they do not match all characteristics: The Horn of Africa has its own conflicts (e.g., Sudan, Ethiopia) but a different geography and geopolitical dynamic. The Great Lakes Region's conflicts are historically rooted in different ethnic and resource-based issues. The Maghreb consists of North African countries north of the Sahara and does not fit the 'coup belt' or specific insurgency description.

The static concept

Geopolitical Flashpoints: Regional Instability and Great Power Competition in Africa.

What is the primary role of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) as the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents?

Why this answer

The correct option outlines the core functions of CERT-In as defined under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Its primary role is technical and coordinative: collecting and analysing data on cyber incidents, forecasting and alerting about threats, and promoting IT security awareness. Prosecution of cybercrimes is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies like the State Police's cyber cells and the CBI. Formulation of national policy and legislation is the mandate of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Parliament. Negotiation of international treaties is handled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), although CERT-In may provide technical inputs.

The static concept

Cybersecurity Infrastructure in India - Role and Mandate of CERT-In under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

What is the primary rationale behind the recent recommendations to include the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)?

Why this answer

The correct option provides the most accurate rationale. The HPV vaccine is a prophylactic (preventive) measure, not a therapeutic one. Its primary goal is to prevent infection from high-risk HPV strains that are the leading cause of cervical cancer. It is most effective when administered to adolescent girls (typically aged 9-14) before they become sexually active and are potentially exposed to the virus. The option stating it eliminates 'all forms of cancer' is incorrect as the vaccine is highly specific to HPV-related cancers. The option suggesting it's a 'therapeutic treatment' is wrong; vaccines prevent disease, they do not cure it. The option claiming it protects against a 'wide range of STIs' is also incorrect, as the vaccine is specific to Human Papillomavirus and does not protect against other STIs like HIV or syphilis.

The static concept

Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): Objectives, components, and new initiatives. Principles of vaccination and communicable disease prevention.

With reference to India's strategic initiatives in its neighbourhood, consider the following statements:

1. 1.The Chabahar Port, developed by India in Iran, is primarily aimed at providing direct sea access to Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
2. 2.The 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine is India's primary maritime cooperation framework, exclusively focused on the member countries of SAARC.
3. 3.The establishment of INS Jatayu in the Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep is intended to enhance India's maritime domain awareness in the Arabian Sea.
4. 4.The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project connects Kolkata with Sittwe port in Myanmar, aiming to provide an alternative route to India's North-Eastern states.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Why this answer

Three statements are correct. Statement 1 is correct; the Chabahar Port's key strategic goal is to create a transport corridor for India to access Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. Statement 3 is correct; INS Jatayu, located on Minicoy Island, significantly boosts the Indian Navy's operational reach and surveillance capabilities in the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean Region. Statement 4 is correct; the Kaladan project is designed to connect the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Myanmar by sea and then to Mizoram via river and road, providing a crucial second route for the North-East. Statement 2 is incorrect; the SAGAR doctrine is a broad framework for the entire Indian Ocean Region and is not exclusively limited to SAARC members. It includes countries like Mauritius, Seychelles, and littoral states in Africa.

The static concept

India's 'Neighbourhood First' Policy, 'Act East' Policy, and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine, manifested through strategic infrastructure projects and maritime security initiatives.

With reference to the legal framework governing maritime security in light of recent attacks on shipping in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, consider the following statements:

1. 1.The right of 'innocent passage' applies to all ships navigating through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which can be temporarily suspended by coastal states for security reasons.
2. 2.Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), attacks on commercial vessels by non-state actors for declared political objectives are legally defined as acts of piracy.
3. 3.Coastal states bordering an international strait, such as Yemen, have the sovereign right to enforce their customs and fiscal laws on foreign military vessels exercising transit passage.
4. 4.UNCLOS provides the primary legal basis for multinational naval coalitions to conduct military operations to protect shipping lanes from attacks originating from land-based non-state actors.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Why this answer

The correct answer is 'None' as all four statements are incorrect. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Bab-el-Mandeb is a strait used for international navigation. The legal regime that applies is 'transit passage' (under Part III of UNCLOS), not 'innocent passage'. Unlike innocent passage, transit passage cannot be suspended by coastal states. Statement 2 is incorrect. Article 101 of UNCLOS defines piracy as illegal acts of violence or detention committed for 'private ends' on the high seas. Acts committed for political objectives do not meet this specific legal definition of piracy. Statement 3 is incorrect. During transit passage, foreign ships, particularly military vessels, are not subject to the broad enforcement of a coastal state's domestic laws related to customs or fiscal matters. The coastal state's primary obligation is not to hamper or impede transit. Statement 4 is incorrect. While UNCLOS establishes the right of freedom of navigation, the legal justification for military enforcement actions against armed attacks, especially from non-state actors, is typically derived from the inherent right of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, not directly from UNCLOS itself.

The static concept

UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), specifically Part III (Straits Used for International Navigation - Transit Passage) and Part VII (High Seas - Piracy).

Why this answer

Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion. The Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), responsible for the Kakori Conspiracy (1925), primarily focused on individual heroic actions to awaken the masses. However, its leaders, including Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad, grew disillusioned with this approach. Influenced by socialist and communist literature, they recognized the need for a mass-based movement with a clear socio-economic agenda. This ideological evolution led to the reorganisation of the HRA into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928 at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, explicitly adding 'Socialist' to its name and objectives. Thus, the reasons cited in (R) directly led to the ideological shift described in (A).

The static concept

Evolution of Revolutionary Nationalism in India: From Individual Heroism (HRA) to Socialist Ideology (HSRA).

Why this answer

The correct option is that Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false. Assertion (A) is true because India has, on multiple occasions, invoked the Bali Peace Clause for breaching the 10% de minimis limit on subsidies for its rice procurement programme. Reason (R) is false because the Peace Clause is neither permanent nor unconditional. It is an interim measure pending a 'permanent solution,' a key negotiating point for India. Furthermore, its use is subject to several conditions, including the submission of timely notifications and ensuring that subsidies do not distort trade.

The static concept

WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA), specifically the provisions on Public Stockholding for Food Security, de minimis limits, and the Bali Peace Clause.