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Daily quiz archive · 5 July 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz for UPSC Prelims 2027 — 5 July 2026

Of this day’s ten questions, 9 were built from that morning’s news. They are below, with the answers. The rest of the set came from Prelimo’s practice bank and stays in the app, because a bank question can still turn up in a live quiz.

Each question below is followed by the keyed answer, why that answer is right, and the static syllabus concept the question is really testing. Where a question came from a specific news story, that story is linked.

Q1 · Science & Tech · Human Biology & Genetics

Which of the following best describes Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, a technology frequently mentioned in the context of advanced cancer treatment?

  1. AIt involves genetically modifying a patient's own immune cells (T-cells) to recognize and attack cancer cells.Correct answer
  2. BIt is a type of vaccine that uses messenger RNA (mRNA) to train the immune system to prevent cancerous growths.
  3. CIt is a gene-editing technique that directly corrects cancer-causing mutations within the patient's body using molecular scissors.
  4. DIt is a method of using pluripotent stem cells to replace entire cancerous tissues with newly grown healthy tissues.

Why this answer

The correct option provides the most accurate description. CAR-T cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy where a patient's T-cells (a type of immune cell) are collected, genetically engineered in a lab to produce special receptors called Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs), and then re-infused into the patient. These CARs enable the T-cells to identify and kill cancer cells. The option describing an mRNA vaccine is incorrect; CAR-T is a treatment, not a preventative vaccine. The option about directly correcting mutations describes in-vivo gene editing (like with CRISPR), not CAR-T therapy which modifies immune cells ex-vivo. The option mentioning stem cells is also incorrect as CAR-T therapy uses mature T-cells, not stem cells, and its function is to destroy cancer cells, not replace tissue.

The static concept

Genetic Engineering and its Applications in Health: Immunotherapy and Cell-based Therapies.

From the news: New rules to bring stem cell, gene therapies under Central licensing net close regulatory gap

The full Deep Proof for this question — the news angle, the static-dynamic link, the source chapter and an autopsy of every wrong option — lives in the app.

Q2 · International Relations · India–ASEAN & Indo-Pacific Engagement

Which of the following statements most accurately describes the core principle of India's 'Act East Policy' in the context of its broader Indo-Pacific engagement?

  1. AIt places the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the center of India's Indo-Pacific vision, promoting a free, open, and inclusive region.Correct answer
  2. BIt prioritizes the formation of a formal military alliance, led by the Quad, to counterbalance strategic rivals in the region.
  3. CIt is an exclusively economic initiative aimed at integrating India's economy with Southeast Asian markets, replacing the earlier 'Look East Policy'.
  4. DIt primarily focuses on maritime security cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean, under the framework of the SAGAR doctrine.

Why this answer

The most accurate statement is that the policy places ASEAN at the center of India's Indo-Pacific vision. India has consistently and officially stated that ASEAN Centrality is the cornerstone of its Act East Policy and its vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The option mentioning a formal military alliance led by the Quad is incorrect; the Quad is a strategic forum, not a formal military alliance like NATO. The option describing the policy as 'exclusively economic' is flawed because the 'Act East Policy' deliberately added strategic, political, and security dimensions to the older, more economically-focused 'Look East Policy'. Finally, the option linking it to the Western Indian Ocean is a mischaracterization; the Act East Policy's geographic focus is on Southeast and East Asia, while the SAGAR doctrine applies to the entire Indian Ocean Region.

The static concept

India's Foreign Policy: Act East Policy, ASEAN Centrality, and Indo-Pacific Strategy.

From the news: India’s P-8i maritime patrol aircraft in Hawaii for RIMPAC exercise

The full Deep Proof for this question — the news angle, the static-dynamic link, the source chapter and an autopsy of every wrong option — lives in the app.

Q3 · Environment · Ecosystem Structure & Energy Flow

In ecological studies, the term 'trophic cascade' is often discussed, particularly in the context of reintroducing apex predators. Which of the following best describes this phenomenon?

  1. AThe indirect effects that apex predators have on lower trophic levels by controlling the population and behavior of their prey.Correct answer
  2. BThe linear sequence of energy transfer from one organism to another as each consumes a lower member and is in turn eaten by a higher member of the sequence.
  3. CThe increasing concentration of a toxic substance in the tissues of organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain.
  4. DThe process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time, often progressing towards a climax community.

Why this answer

A trophic cascade is an ecological process starting at the top of the food chain and tumbling all the way down to the bottom. The correct option accurately defines this as the indirect, 'top-down' effect of predators on herbivores (their prey), which in turn affects the abundance and health of plant life. For instance, reintroducing wolves can reduce deer populations, allowing overgrazed vegetation to recover. The option describing a linear sequence of energy transfer defines a food chain. The option about increasing toxin concentration defines biomagnification. The option detailing change in species structure over time describes ecological succession.

The static concept

Ecosystem Structure and Function: Trophic Levels, Energy Flow, and Ecological Regulation.

From the news: Sacred groves key to biodiversity conservation, says study

The full Deep Proof for this question — the news angle, the static-dynamic link, the source chapter and an autopsy of every wrong option — lives in the app.

Q4 · International Relations · UN & Global Governance

With reference to the 'Uniting for Peace' resolution (General Assembly Resolution 377 A), which of the following statements most accurately describes its primary function and trigger?

  1. AIt allows the General Assembly to consider a matter and make recommendations for collective measures when the Security Council fails to act due to a veto by a permanent member.Correct answer
  2. BIt grants the General Assembly the authority to pass legally binding enforcement actions, thereby overriding a Security Council veto on matters of peace and security.
  3. CIt can only be invoked at the formal request of a majority of the permanent members of the Security Council to break a procedural deadlock among themselves.
  4. DIt is a mechanism that permanently transfers the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace from the Security Council to the General Assembly.

Why this answer

The correct statement is that the 'Uniting for Peace' resolution allows the General Assembly to recommend collective measures if the Security Council, because of a lack of unanimity of the permanent members (a veto), fails to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. This was established during the Korean War in 1950. The other options are incorrect. The resolutions passed under this are recommendations and are not legally binding in the same way as UNSC Chapter VII resolutions; it cannot 'override' a veto. The trigger is a vote of any nine members of the UNSC or a majority of UNGA members, not a request from the permanent members. Finally, it provides an alternative pathway for action but does not permanently transfer the UNSC's primary responsibility as enshrined in the UN Charter.

The static concept

Powers and functions of the UN General Assembly vs. the Security Council, specifically the 'Uniting for Peace' Resolution (A/RES/377 A) as an alternative pathway when the UNSC is deadlocked.

From the news: A window into how China sees a world in disorder

The full Deep Proof for this question — the news angle, the static-dynamic link, the source chapter and an autopsy of every wrong option — lives in the app.

Q5 · International Relations · India–Europe & Western Strategic Partnerships

With reference to the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) signed in 2024, consider the following statements:

  1. 1.The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) comprises all the major Scandinavian economies, including Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
  2. 2.All member countries of EFTA participate in the European Union's Single Market through the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement.
  3. 3.The TEPA includes a commitment from the EFTA states to promote investments to increase Foreign Direct Investment by $100 billion in India over 15 years.
  4. 4.This agreement represents India's first-ever Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with a European bloc.

How many of the above statements are correct?

  1. AOnly one
  2. BOnly twoCorrect answer
  3. COnly three
  4. DAll four

Why this answer

Statement 1 is incorrect. The EFTA member states are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Sweden and Denmark are members of the European Union, not EFTA. Statement 2 is incorrect. While Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are part of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland is not. It accesses the EU Single Market through a series of separate bilateral agreements. Statement 3 is correct. A key feature of the TEPA is the commitment by EFTA states to promote investments aiming to increase the stock of foreign direct investment by $100 billion in India over the next 15 years. Statement 4 is correct. The TEPA is a historic milestone as it is India's first Free Trade Agreement with this four-nation European bloc. Therefore, only two statements are correct.

The static concept

International Economic Groupings and Agreements: European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and its relationship with the European Union (EU).

From the news: Finance Ministry notifies rules for determination of origin of goods under India-U.K. trade pact

The full Deep Proof for this question — the news angle, the static-dynamic link, the source chapter and an autopsy of every wrong option — lives in the app.

Q6 · Science & Tech · Viral Diseases, Virology & Vaccines

With reference to the fundamental characteristics of viruses, consider the following statements:

  1. 1.All known viruses use DNA as their genetic material, which they inject into the host cell for replication.
  2. 2.Unlike bacteria, viruses are obligate intracellular parasites and cannot be cultured on a synthetic, cell-free nutrient medium.
  3. 3.A single type of virus is generally capable of infecting a wide range of organisms across different kingdoms, such as plants, animals, and fungi.
  4. 4.The development of subunit vaccines is possible because viruses possess their own protein-synthesizing machinery, such as ribosomes, to create surface antigens.

How many of the above statements are correct?

  1. AOnly oneCorrect answer
  2. BOnly two
  3. COnly three
  4. DAll four

Why this answer

Only one statement is correct. - The statement that all viruses use DNA is incorrect. Many viruses, including coronaviruses, influenza viruses, and HIV, are RNA viruses. - The statement that viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that cannot be cultured on cell-free media is correct. They lack their own metabolic machinery and must hijack a living host cell to replicate. - The statement that a single virus can infect across different kingdoms is incorrect. While viruses as a group infect all forms of life, a specific virus type has a limited host range determined by specific host cell receptors. - The statement about subunit vaccines is incorrect because of its reasoning. Viruses do not possess their own ribosomes; they use the host cell's machinery to synthesize proteins. While subunit vaccines exist, they are not based on the virus's own protein-synthesis capacity.

The static concept

Fundamental characteristics of viruses: genetic material (DNA/RNA), obligate intracellular parasitism, host specificity, and lack of independent metabolic machinery.

From the news: Trial for Bundibugyo Ebola treatment starts in DRC, WHO says

The full Deep Proof for this question — the news angle, the static-dynamic link, the source chapter and an autopsy of every wrong option — lives in the app.

Q7 · International Relations · Middle East Conflicts & Diplomacy

With reference to the major diplomatic frameworks and conflicts in West Asia, consider the following statements:

  1. 1.The Abraham Accords stipulated that signatory Arab nations would establish diplomatic ties with Israel in exchange for Israel formally abandoning all territorial claims over the West Bank.
  2. 2.The 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, proposed by Saudi Arabia and adopted by the Arab League, offered Israel full normalization of relations in return for a complete withdrawal from territories occupied since 1967.
  3. 3.The I2U2 group, comprising India, Israel, the UAE, and the USA, is primarily a strategic security alliance aimed at countering maritime threats in the Persian Gulf.
  4. 4.The consensus framework for the 'Two-State Solution' envisions an independent Palestinian state with its capital in a unified, internationally administered Jerusalem.

How many of the above statements are correct?

  1. AOnly oneCorrect answer
  2. BOnly two
  3. COnly three
  4. DNone

Why this answer

Only one statement is correct. - Statement 1 is incorrect. The Abraham Accords were linked to Israel agreeing to *suspend* its declared plans to annex large parts of the West Bank, not formally *abandoning all claims* over the territory. - Statement 2 is correct. This accurately summarizes the core 'land for peace' principle of the Arab Peace Initiative proposed by then-Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia in 2002 and subsequently endorsed by the Arab League. - Statement 3 is incorrect. The I2U2 group is an economic and technological cooperation forum focused on joint investments in six mutually identified areas: water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security. It is not a military or security alliance. - Statement 4 is incorrect. The dominant international consensus on the Two-State Solution proposes a *divided* Jerusalem, with East Jerusalem as the capital of the future Palestinian state and West Jerusalem as Israel's capital. A unified, internationally administered city (corpus separatum) was part of the 1947 UN Partition Plan, not the modern framework.

The static concept

Geopolitics of West Asia: Key Conflicts (Israel-Palestine), Diplomatic Initiatives (Abraham Accords, Arab Peace Initiative), and new 'Minilaterals' (I2U2).

From the news: India weathered West Asia crisis through strategic decision-making, diplomacy: PM Modi

The full Deep Proof for this question — the news angle, the static-dynamic link, the source chapter and an autopsy of every wrong option — lives in the app.

Q8 · Economy · Introduction: Economy, Growth & Development

Assertion (A): India has consistently been one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world over the past decade.

Reason (R): The 'trickle-down' effect, inherent in high-growth economies, has ensured that the benefits of economic expansion are automatically and equitably distributed, leading to commensurate improvements in human development.

  1. ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  2. BBoth A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
  3. CA is true but R is falseCorrect answer
  4. DA is false but R is true

Why this answer

The correct option is that Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false. Assertion (A) is a well-documented fact, with reports from the IMF, World Bank, and India's own Economic Survey consistently highlighting its high GDP growth rate relative to other major economies. Reason (R) is false because the 'trickle-down' theory of economics is a contested concept, not a guaranteed outcome. Evidence from India and other developing countries shows that high growth does not automatically or equitably distribute its benefits. India's persistent challenges with inequality, malnutrition, and its moderate ranking on the Human Development Index (HDI) despite high growth underscore the failure of an automatic trickle-down mechanism, necessitating targeted government welfare interventions.

The static concept

Economic Growth vs. Economic Development: Understanding the distinction between quantitative expansion (GDP) and qualitative improvements in human well-being (HDI, standard of living, equity).

From the news: India’s semiconductor push will create countless jobs: PM

The full Deep Proof for this question — the news angle, the static-dynamic link, the source chapter and an autopsy of every wrong option — lives in the app.

Q9 · Geography · Indian Monsoon System

Assertion (A): The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is a critical factor for improving the intra-seasonal predictability of the Indian summer monsoon, particularly its active and break spells.

Reason (R): The MJO's primary mechanism of influencing the Indian monsoon is by altering the sea surface temperature gradient that defines the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), thereby strengthening or weakening the monsoon trough.

  1. ABoth Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A)
  2. BBoth Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is NOT the correct explanation of Assertion (A)
  3. CAssertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is falseCorrect answer
  4. DAssertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true

Why this answer

Assertion (A) is true. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is the largest element of the intra-seasonal (30-90 day) variability in the tropical atmosphere. It is an eastward-propagating pulse of cloud and rainfall that significantly influences the active and break phases of the Indian summer monsoon, making it vital for extended-range forecasts. Reason (R) is false. The MJO's primary influence is through its direct atmospheric impact—it modulates large-scale circulation, moisture convergence, and convection over the Indian Ocean. While it can interact with oceanic conditions, its primary mechanism is not altering the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) gradient of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). The IOD is a separate, slower-moving ocean-atmosphere phenomenon. Therefore, Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.

The static concept

Indian Monsoon System: Factors influencing variability, including El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO).

From the news: As monsoon rains falter, Wayanad farmers in Kerala fear poor harvest

The full Deep Proof for this question — the news angle, the static-dynamic link, the source chapter and an autopsy of every wrong option — lives in the app.