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Daily quiz archive · 12 July 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz for UPSC Prelims 2027 — 12 July 2026

Of this day’s ten questions, 3 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 · Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency

With reference to hydrogen fuel cell technology, as seen in India's first hydrogen-powered train, what is the primary emission byproduct when hydrogen fuel is consumed in a fuel cell to generate electricity?

  1. AWater vapourCorrect answer
  2. BCarbon dioxide
  3. CMethane
  4. DNitrogen oxides

Why this answer

In a hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen gas (H2) reacts with oxygen (O2) from the air in an electrochemical process to produce electricity and water (H2O). The fundamental reaction is 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O. Therefore, the only direct emission from the fuel cell's operation is water vapour, making it a zero-carbon emission technology at the point of use. Carbon dioxide is the primary product of fossil fuel combustion. Methane is the main component of natural gas. Nitrogen oxides are typically formed during high-temperature combustion in internal combustion engines, not in the lower-temperature electrochemical process of a fuel cell.

The static concept

Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Technology: Principles of operation, types of hydrogen (green, blue, grey), and applications in transport and energy sectors.

From the news: PM to flag off India’s first hydrogen train: How they work, and why they haven’t picked pace globally

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 · Geography · Indian Monsoon System

Recent atmospheric studies, such as those by IITM Pune, have highlighted that a significant fraction of monsoon rainfall can evaporate before reaching the Earth's surface, a phenomenon known as virga. Which of the following atmospheric conditions in the sub-cloud layer (the area below the cloud base) would most significantly contribute to this high rate of mid-air evaporation?

  1. AA deep layer of air with low relative humidity and a steep lapse rate.Correct answer
  2. BA shallow layer of air with high relative humidity and a weak lapse rate.
  3. CStrong vertical wind shear coupled with a very low lifting condensation level (LCL).
  4. DAn abundance of hygroscopic aerosols like sea salt just below the cloud base.

Why this answer

The correct option describes the ideal conditions for evaporation of falling rain. A deep sub-cloud layer means raindrops have a longer distance to travel, increasing the time for evaporation. Low relative humidity indicates the air is 'dry' and has a high capacity to absorb more water vapor. A steep environmental lapse rate means the temperature decreases rapidly with altitude, implying the air near the surface is significantly warmer than at the cloud base, which further enhances the rate of evaporation. The other options describe conditions that would inhibit, not promote, this phenomenon. A shallow, moist layer reduces the time and capacity for evaporation. A low lifting condensation level means the cloud base is close to the ground, reducing the distance for rain to fall and evaporate. Hygroscopic aerosols are critical for the formation of cloud droplets, not for their subsequent evaporation.

The static concept

Indian Monsoon System: Atmospheric stability, thermodynamics, and microphysical processes of precipitation.

From the news: One-fourth of India’s monsoon rain evaporates mid-air, says new 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.

Q3 · Polity · Anti-Defection & Tenth Schedule

Assertion (A): Assertion (A): The prior sanction of the Governor is a mandatory procedural requirement for a court to take cognizance of certain offences alleged to have been committed by a Minister of a state government.

Reason (R): Reason (R): The Constitution of India grants the Governor personal immunity from any criminal proceedings in any court for any act during their term of office.

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

Why this answer

Both statements are individually correct, but the Reason does not explain the Assertion. Assertion (A) is true as per Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. These laws require prior sanction from the competent authority (the Governor, in the case of a state minister) before a court can take cognizance of an offence committed by a public servant in the discharge of official duties. Reason (R) is also true. Article 361 of the Constitution grants the President and Governors immunity from criminal proceedings during their term of office. However, R is not the correct explanation for A. The requirement for sanction for a minister (A) is a procedural safeguard for public servants, whereas the Governor's personal immunity (R) protects the dignity and independence of the constitutional office itself. The two are distinct legal principles.

The static concept

Governor's Constitutional Powers, Discretion, and Immunities (Articles 163, 361) and procedural laws like CrPC §197.

From the news: Lokayukta seeks Governor’s nod to prosecute Zameer

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.