Daily Current Affairs Quiz for UPSC Prelims 2027 — 28 June 2026

The 'Ayushman Arogya Mandir' initiative, recently in the news, is primarily aimed at transforming which aspect of India's public health system?

Why this answer

The correct option is the one that identifies the initiative's goal as strengthening comprehensive primary healthcare. 'Ayushman Arogya Mandir' is the new name for the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs). These centres are established by upgrading existing Sub-Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to provide a wider range of services closer to communities, focusing on primary care. The option describing cashless insurance refers to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the other major component of Ayushman Bharat. The option about digital infrastructure describes the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), a separate but related initiative. The option about specialized research is not the primary objective of this particular initiative.

The static concept

Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Its two components - Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), and its role in achieving Universal Health Coverage.

The Taiwan Strait, a critical maritime passage and a major geopolitical flashpoint frequently mentioned in international news, separates which of the following?

Why this answer

The correct answer identifies that the Taiwan Strait separates the island of Taiwan from mainland China. The Taiwan Strait, also known as the Formosa Strait, is a 180-kilometer-wide channel connecting the South China Sea with the East China Sea. The Korean Peninsula is separated from Japan by the Korea Strait and the Sea of Japan. The Philippines and Vietnam are separated by the much wider South China Sea. The island of Borneo and the Malay Peninsula are also separated by the South China Sea.

The static concept

Geopolitical Flashpoints and Strategic Waterways in the Indo-Pacific region.

India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy emphasizes connectivity projects to enhance regional integration. What is the primary strategic and economic significance of the recently operationalised Akhaura-Agartala rail link?

Why this answer

The correct option highlights the main purpose of the Akhaura-Agartala rail link. This project connects Agartala in Tripura with Akhaura in Bangladesh, dramatically reducing the travel distance and time between India's Northeast and Kolkata. The route through Bangladesh is about 500 km, compared to the 1,600 km route that traverses the narrow and strategically vulnerable Siliguri Corridor (or 'Chicken's Neck'). This provides a huge logistical boost for the region. While the link will enhance bilateral trade, its primary purpose is not just for Bangladeshi exports. It is distinct from the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which is a road project. Similarly, its purpose is much broader than servicing a single power project like the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant.

The static concept

India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Act East Policy, focusing on regional connectivity and economic integration.

With reference to the ongoing negotiations for a new international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (often referred to as the 'Pandemic Accord') under the World Health Organization (WHO), which of the following statements is most accurate?

Why this answer

The correct statement is that the instrument is being negotiated by an Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) and complements the International Health Regulations (2005). The INB was established by WHO member states specifically for this purpose. The accord is designed to work in synergy with the IHR, addressing gaps highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The option stating the accord will be immediately binding is incorrect; international treaties require ratification by individual states as per their domestic laws. The idea of a supranational body imposing lockdowns is a common piece of misinformation; the accord focuses on cooperation and respects national sovereignty. Finally, the negotiation is a member-state-led process, not one driven by the UN Secretary-General's office or private foundations.

The static concept

Functioning of UN Specialised Agencies (e.g., WHO) and the nature of International Law, Treaties, and Conventions.

With reference to India's engagement with Africa and Latin America, consider the following statements:

1. 1.The India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) was initiated in 2008 and has been held on a strict biennial basis since.
2. 2.India's development cooperation with African nations is primarily guided by the ten guiding principles for India-Africa engagement outlined by the Prime Minister at Kampala in 2018, which emphasize local ownership and demand-driven projects.
3. 3.India has a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with the MERCOSUR trade bloc, which includes major South American economies like Brazil and Argentina.
4. 4.During its G20 Presidency in 2023, India successfully advocated for the African Union's admission as a permanent member of the G20.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Why this answer

Statement 1 is incorrect. While the first India-Africa Forum Summit was held in New Delhi in 2008, the summits have not followed a strict biennial (every two years) schedule. The subsequent summits were held in 2011 (Addis Ababa) and 2015 (New Delhi), demonstrating an irregular interval. Statement 2 is correct. The '10 Guiding Principles for India-Africa Engagement', also known as the Kampala Principles, were outlined by the Indian Prime Minister in 2018 and form the core of India's partnership model with Africa. Statement 3 is correct. India signed a Preferential Trade Agreement with the MERCOSUR bloc (comprising Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay) in 2004, which came into effect in 2009 to boost trade relations. Statement 4 is correct. A major diplomatic achievement during India's G20 Presidency was the consensus-based admission of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 in September 2023. Therefore, three statements are correct.

The static concept

India's Foreign Policy: Engagement with the Global South (Africa and Latin America), focusing on development partnerships, trade agreements, and institutional forums.

With reference to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and the classification of emissions, consider the following statements:

1. 1.Scope 1 emissions refer to direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the reporting entity, such as emissions from company-owned vehicles and industrial processes.
2. 2.Scope 2 emissions encompass indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, or cooling consumed by the reporting entity.
3. 3.Scope 3 emissions, which include all other indirect emissions in a company's value chain like employee commuting and use of sold products, are typically the largest portion of a company's carbon footprint.
4. 4.The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, which established these scopes, is a legally binding international treaty under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

How many of the above statements are correct?

Why this answer

Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct, while statement 4 is incorrect. - Statement 1 correctly defines Scope 1 emissions as direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by an entity. - Statement 2 correctly defines Scope 2 emissions as indirect emissions from purchased energy (electricity, heat, etc.). - Statement 3 is also correct. Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions in the value chain and is often the most significant and difficult to measure portion of an organization's total emissions. - Statement 4 is incorrect. The GHG Protocol is not a legally binding UN treaty. It is the most widely used international accounting tool developed through a partnership between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

The static concept

Greenhouse Gas Accounting: The classification of emissions into Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (indirect - purchased energy), and Scope 3 (indirect - value chain) as per the GHG Protocol.

Why this answer

Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true. The SDG Target 3.1 aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. According to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality (2018-20), India's MMR stands at 97 per 100,000 live births. While this represents a significant improvement and is a commendable achievement, India has not yet achieved the SDG target. Reason (R) provides an accurate description of the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). It is a centrally sponsored scheme and a safe motherhood intervention under the National Health Mission (NHM). It operates as a conditional cash transfer to promote institutional deliveries, thereby contributing to the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality.

The static concept

Maternal and Child Health Indicators (MMR, IMR) and related government interventions like the National Health Mission (NHM) and Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY).