Daily Current Affairs Quiz for UPSC Prelims 2027 — 29 June 2026

The National Health Mission (NHM), an umbrella programme of the Government of India, has two key sub-missions: the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). What is the overarching primary objective of the NHM?

Why this answer

The correct option outlines the primary objective of the National Health Mission (NHM), which is the broad strengthening of the entire public health system to ensure universal access to quality and affordable healthcare. The option concerning cashless health insurance describes the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). The option focused on immunization describes Mission Indradhanush, which is a key program under the NHM but not its sole or overarching objective. The option about establishing AIIMS-like institutions refers to the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), which targets tertiary healthcare infrastructure.

The static concept

National Health Mission (NHM), including its sub-missions NRHM and NUHM, as the primary vehicle for health system strengthening in India.

The recent reintroduction of cheetahs to Kuno National Park in India, decades after their local extinction, represents a major conservation initiative. What is the primary ecological objective of such species reintroduction projects?

Why this answer

The primary objective of a species reintroduction program like Project Cheetah is to establish a self-sustaining, wild population in its historical habitat. This enhances the long-term survival prospects of the species by creating a separate population, which acts as a safeguard against extinction due to catastrophes (like disease or habitat loss) in its other habitats. While boosting tourism and controlling prey populations are potential positive outcomes, they are secondary benefits, not the core conservation goal. The aim is to establish a wild population, not a captive breeding center for zoos.

The static concept

Species Reintroduction and Translocation: A conservation strategy involving the deliberate movement of a species to an area where it has become extinct (reintroduction) or to a new area within its present range (translocation) to improve its conservation status.

Consider the following description of a climatic region: 'The region experiences hot, dry, and sunny summers, while winters are mild and rainy. This distinct seasonal rainfall pattern is a defining characteristic, often leading to the cultivation of citrus fruits, olives, and vineyards.' Which of the following climate types is being described?

Why this answer

The correct answer is the Mediterranean Climate. The description perfectly matches its key features: hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This is a unique pattern where the rainy season occurs in the cooler part of the year. The characteristic vegetation mentioned (citrus, olives, grapes) is also strongly associated with this climate. The Humid Subtropical climate has rainfall throughout the year with a summer maximum. The Marine West Coast climate also has year-round rainfall and cooler summers. The Tropical Savanna climate has a wet season in the summer, not winter, and is characterized by high temperatures year-round.

The static concept

Koppen Climate Classification: Specifically the Cs (Dry-Summer Subtropical or Mediterranean) type, characterized by its unique winter rainfall and dry summer pattern.

Which of the following most accurately describes the origin and primary objective of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution, a recurring subject in India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations?

Why this answer

The correct statement is the one identifying the amendment's origin in the Indo-Lanka Accord of 1987. The 13th Amendment was a direct outcome of this accord, signed between Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene, with the primary goal of devolving power to provincial councils to address the political aspirations of the Tamil minority and resolve the ethnic conflict. The option mentioning the end of the civil war in 2009 is incorrect; the amendment was passed in 1987, long before the war ended. The option linking it to the Free Trade Agreement is also incorrect as it conflates a political solution with an economic one. The option claiming it established a federal system with complete autonomy over land and police is a significant factual error; Sri Lanka remains a unitary state, and the full devolution of powers, especially concerning land and police, has been a major point of contention and has not been implemented.

The static concept

India-Sri Lanka Relations: The Indo-Lanka Accord (1987) and the 13th Amendment as a framework for ethnic reconciliation and power devolution.

With reference to the Border Security Force (BSF) of India, consider the following statements:

1. 1.The BSF is a statutory force constituted under the Border Security Force Act, 1968.
2. 2.Its primary mandate includes guarding India's land borders with both Pakistan and China.
3. 3.The Central Government is empowered to extend the BSF's jurisdiction for search and seizure in border states without the consent of the State Government.
4. 4.During a war, the operational control of the BSF is transferred to the Indian Army.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Why this answer

Statement 1 is correct. The BSF was raised in 1965 in the wake of the Indo-Pak War and is governed by the BSF Act, 1968, making it a statutory body. Statement 2 is incorrect. The BSF guards the Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh borders. The border with China is primarily guarded by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Statement 3 is correct. Section 139 of the BSF Act allows the Central Government to notify the area and extent of BSF's operational powers. This was controversially used in 2021 to extend its jurisdiction for search, seizure, and arrest from 15 km to 50 km inside the border in states like Punjab, West Bengal, and Assam. Statement 4 is correct. The BSF is the first line of defence, and in the event of war, its operational command is placed under the Indian Army to ensure coordinated action. Thus, three statements are correct.

The static concept

Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs): Mandate, command structure, and jurisdiction, particularly the Border Security Force (BSF).

With reference to the procedure for admitting new member states to the United Nations, consider the following statements:

1. 1.The admission of any new state is decided by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.
2. 2.A recommendation for membership from the Security Council requires a two-thirds majority vote and is not subject to a veto by its permanent members.
3. 3.Following a positive recommendation from the Security Council, the General Assembly must approve the admission by a two-thirds majority vote of the members present and voting.
4. 4.A 'Non-member Observer State' at the UN possesses all the rights of a full member except the right to vote in the General Assembly.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Why this answer

There are two correct statements. Statement 1 is correct as per Article 4(2) of the UN Charter, which specifies that admission is effected by a decision of the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. Statement 3 is also correct; admission is an 'important question' under Article 18, requiring a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in the General Assembly. Statement 2 is incorrect because a recommendation from the Security Council requires the affirmative vote of nine members, including the concurring votes of the five permanent members (P5). It is subject to veto. Statement 4 is incorrect because Non-member Observer States lack several rights beyond voting, such as the right to be elected to organs like the Security Council or to put forward candidates.

The static concept

UN Charter Articles 4, 18, and 27: Procedure for Admission of New Members and Voting Rules in the Security Council and General Assembly.

With reference to atmospheric circulation and its associated weather phenomena, consider the following statements:

1. 1.The Sub-Tropical Westerly Jet Stream is primarily responsible for steering the Western Disturbances into the Indian subcontinent during the winter months.
2. 2.Tropical cyclones rarely form within 5 degrees of the equator because the Coriolis force, which is essential for providing cyclonic spin, is at its maximum in this region.
3. 3.The Westerlies in the Southern Hemisphere are generally stronger and more persistent than in the Northern Hemisphere due to the vast expanse of ocean and lack of significant landmasses.
4. 4.A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) event is generally associated with a weaker-than-average monsoon over the Indian subcontinent.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Why this answer

There are two correct statements. Statement 1 is correct; the Sub-Tropical Westerly Jet Stream flows over northern India in winter and guides the temperate cyclones (Western Disturbances) from the Mediterranean region. Statement 3 is also correct; the Southern Hemisphere is dominated by oceans, leading to less friction and more powerful, consistent Westerlies (e.g., Roaring Forties). Statement 2 is incorrect because tropical cyclones do not form near the equator due to the *absence or weakness* of the Coriolis force, not its maximum strength. The Coriolis force is zero at the equator and maximum at the poles. Statement 4 is incorrect; a positive IOD, with warmer waters in the western Indian Ocean, is generally associated with a *stronger*, not weaker, Indian monsoon.

The static concept

Atmospheric circulation patterns (Jet Streams, Planetary Winds) and their influence on regional weather systems (Tropical Cyclones, Western Disturbances, Indian Monsoon).

Why this answer

Assertion (A) is correct. India's engagement with Africa, particularly under the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) framework, is explicitly based on a partnership model. This includes concessional Lines of Credit, capacity-building schemes like ITEC, and a focus on African priorities, which are hallmarks of South-South cooperation, not a top-down donor-recipient dynamic. Reason (R) is also correct. A key driver of India's policy is to present a clear alternative to other models of engagement, notably China's Belt and Road Initiative, which has faced criticism for creating 'debt traps' and being resource-extractive. R provides the correct strategic rationale for A. The very design of India's partnership model is to differentiate its approach and build long-term goodwill by offering a more equitable and sustainable alternative, thus making R the correct explanation for A.

The static concept

India-Africa Relations: Principles of South-South Cooperation, Development Partnerships, and Strategic Competition.

Why this answer

Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false. The Assertion correctly identifies a primary strategic driver for the 2014 annexation. Russia's Black Sea Fleet is based in Sevastopol, and securing permanent access to this warm-water port, especially after the pro-Western Euromaidan Revolution in Ukraine, was a key geopolitical objective. The Reason (R) is false. While the 1954 transfer of Crimea is politically controversial and used as a justification, it was executed through a decree by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, which was consistent with the constitutional procedures of the USSR at that time. It was an internal administrative change within a single state. Describing it as 'legally void' under the Soviet framework is factually incorrect; it was a legally valid act within that system, however questionable its political motivations might have been.

The static concept

Geopolitical significance of warm-water ports; Legacy and legal status of Soviet-era internal administrative borders in post-Soviet states.