Prelimo← Home

Daily quiz archive · 20 August 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz for UPSC Prelims 2027 — 20 August 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 · International Relations · G20, BRICS, Development Finance

The opposition by developing countries, including the BRICS nations, to unilateral climate measures like the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is primarily rooted in which of the following long-standing principles of international environmental law?

  1. AThe principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), which acknowledges varying historical contributions and economic capacities in addressing climate change.Correct answer
  2. BThe 'Polluter Pays' principle, which holds that those who produce pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health or the environment.
  3. CThe 'Most Favoured Nation' (MFN) principle from trade law, which requires countries to grant the same trade advantages to all other trading partners.
  4. DThe principle of Absolute Climate Sovereignty, which asserts that each nation has the exclusive right to set its own environmental policies without any international oversight or obligation.

Why this answer

The correct answer is based on the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC). This principle, enshrined in the UNFCCC, acknowledges that while all countries have a shared responsibility to address climate change, developed countries have a greater responsibility due to their historical emissions and greater financial and technological capacity. Developing countries, including BRICS, argue that measures like the EU's CBAM unfairly penalize their industries without considering this historical context. The 'Polluter Pays' principle is a general environmental law concept but does not capture the specific historical and developmental nuances of CBDR-RC. The 'Most Favoured Nation' principle is a core WTO concept related to trade, not climate. The idea of 'Absolute Climate Sovereignty' is contrary to the cooperative framework of the UNFCCC.

The static concept

Principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) under the UNFCCC.

From the news: BRICS condemns EU carbon tax

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 · Science & Tech · ISRO & Space Missions

In the context of global advancements in reusable launch vehicle (RLV) technology, which one of the following statements correctly describes India's efforts and policy framework?

  1. AISRO's Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) 'Pushpak' is primarily focused on validating critical technologies for autonomous landing, a key step towards a fully reusable orbital launch vehicle.Correct answer
  2. BNewSpace India Limited (NSIL) has been established as the single-window agency to authorize and regulate all space activities, including those of private firms developing reusable rockets.
  3. CTo accelerate development, India's space policy permits 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route for the manufacturing and operation of launch vehicles.
  4. DThe private sector has already achieved a major milestone with Skyroot Aerospace successfully demonstrating the recovery of a reusable rocket stage on an ocean platform.

Why this answer

The correct statement accurately describes ISRO's RLV-TD program. 'Pushpak' is a technology demonstrator, not a fully operational vehicle, designed to test key technologies like autonomous horizontal landing. The statement about NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is incorrect; the single-window authorization agency is the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), while NSIL is ISRO's commercial arm. The statement regarding Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is also incorrect; the policy allows up to 49% FDI under the automatic route for launch vehicles, not 100%. Lastly, the statement about Skyroot Aerospace is factually wrong; Skyroot was the first Indian private company to achieve an orbital launch, but no private firm has yet demonstrated the recovery of a reusable stage in India.

The static concept

India's space program, focusing on reusable launch vehicle (RLV) technology, and the policy framework (Indian Space Policy 2023, IN-SPACe, NSIL, FDI rules) for private sector participation.

From the news: China successfully recovers rocket stage on land for first time

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 · Election Commission

Recent discussions on electoral integrity have highlighted the processes for maintaining clean electoral rolls. In this context, which of the following statements most accurately describes the conditions for an individual to be registered as a voter on an electoral roll in India?

  1. AThe individual must be a citizen of India, have attained the age of 18, be ordinarily resident in the constituency, and not be otherwise disqualified.Correct answer
  2. BThe individual must possess an Aadhaar card as mandatory proof of Indian citizenship and be a resident of the constituency for at least six months.
  3. CThe final authority for the inclusion or exclusion of names in the electoral roll for both Parliamentary and State Assembly elections rests with the respective State Government.
  4. DAs the right to vote is a fundamental right, any Indian citizen above 18 years of age is automatically enrolled in the electoral roll upon application.

Why this answer

The correct statement accurately combines the core conditions for voter registration derived from the Constitution and electoral laws. Under Article 326 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950, a person must be a citizen of India, not less than 18 years of age, and be 'ordinarily resident' in a constituency to be registered as a voter. They must also not be disqualified on grounds of non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime, or corrupt or illegal practices. The statement about Aadhaar is incorrect as it is a proof of identity and residence, not citizenship. The authority over electoral rolls for Parliament and State Legislatures is vested in the Election Commission of India under Article 324, not the State Government. Lastly, the right to vote in India is a constitutional and statutory right, not a fundamental right, and automatic enrollment does not happen.

The static concept

Article 324 & 326 of the Constitution of India; Representation of the People Act, 1950 — Powers of the ECI and conditions for voter registration.

From the news: ​Vote of trust: on Trump’s appreciation, clean electoral rolls in India

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 · Polity · Fundamental Rights

The increasing use of state surveillance technologies, such as facial recognition systems at protest sites, has brought the conflict between individual liberties and state security into sharp focus. Which of the following best describes the comprehensive constitutional test that the Supreme Court of India applies to ascertain the validity of state actions that impinge upon the Right to Privacy and other fundamental freedoms?

  1. AThe 'proportionality test', which mandates that any restriction must be prescribed by law, pursue a legitimate state aim, be the least intrusive means to achieve the aim, and have a proportionate balance between the limitation and the public good it serves.Correct answer
  2. BThe 'basic structure' doctrine, which nullifies any state action that damages essential features of the Constitution, such as the rule of law or the separation of powers.
  3. CThe 'procedure established by law' as strictly interpreted in the A.K. Gopalan case, allowing any infringement of liberty provided it is backed by a validly enacted law, without scrutinizing the law's inherent fairness.
  4. DThe 'reasonable classification' test derived from Article 14, which permits the state action as long as it is based on an intelligible differentia and has a rational nexus with its objective, without needing to prove necessity.

Why this answer

The correct answer is the 'proportionality test'. In the landmark K.S. Puttaswamy (2017) judgment, the Supreme Court affirmed that any state action infringing upon the Right to Privacy (and other fundamental rights) must satisfy the four-pronged proportionality test. This requires the action to: (i) be sanctioned by law (legality); (ii) pursue a legitimate state aim; (iii) be necessary, meaning it's the least intrusive measure; and (iv) have a proportionate balance between the right's infringement and the public benefit. The 'basic structure' doctrine applies to constitutional amendments, not executive actions. The strict interpretation of 'procedure established by law' from the A.K. Gopalan case was superseded by the Maneka Gandhi case and the Puttaswamy judgment. The 'reasonable classification' test is primarily for Article 14 (equality) and is a component of, but not the entirety of, the comprehensive test for restricting rights like privacy.

The static concept

Article 21 & 19 - Proportionality Test as a standard for Judicial Review of restrictions on Fundamental Rights.

From the news: Possibilities and pitfalls of facial recognition system | Explained

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 · Geopolitical Conflicts & Regional Crises

With reference to the economic and geopolitical impacts of regional conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, consider the following statements:

  1. 1.Geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East often lead to significant disruptions in global trade, including increased shipping insurance premiums, rerouting of cargo, and reduced air freight capacity.
  2. 2.India, as a matter of foreign policy, consistently supports all economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations and aligns with unilateral sanctions from its major strategic partners.
  3. 3.Economic sanctions imposed on a country can have far-reaching consequences beyond trade figures, often leading to a contraction in the economy and the erosion of the middle class.
  4. 4.Following the reimposition of US sanctions, bilateral trade between India and Iran saw a moderate contraction of about 40% from its peak in 2018-19.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Why this answer

Statement 1 is correct. Conflicts in the Middle East, a region with critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, directly impact global supply chains, leading to higher costs, delays, and reduced freight capacity. Statement 3 is also correct. As seen in the case of Iran, comprehensive sanctions can cause severe economic hardship, including GDP contraction and the shrinking of the middle class, affecting societal stability. Statement 2 is incorrect. India's policy is nuanced; it generally supports UN-mandated sanctions but has historically not supported unilateral sanctions imposed by individual countries. Statement 4 is incorrect. The contraction in India-Iran bilateral trade post-US sanctions was severe, falling by approximately 87% from its 2018-19 peak, not a moderate 40%. Therefore, only two statements are correct.

The static concept

Economic Sanctions and their impact on International Relations, India's Foreign Policy Stance, and Geopolitics of the Middle East.

From the news: UAE halts all trade, financial dealings with Iran

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 · Polity · Directive Principles

Recent judicial examinations of state welfare schemes have brought focus back to the constitutional principles guiding them. In this context, consider the following pairs of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and their corresponding Articles in the Constitution of India:

  1. 1.Promotion of co-operative societies — Article 43B
  2. 2.Separation of judiciary from executive — Article 50
  3. 3.Uniform Civil Code for the citizens — Article 45
  4. 4.Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines — Article 47

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

  1. AOnly one pair
  2. BOnly two pairsCorrect answer
  3. COnly three pairs
  4. DAll four pairs

Why this answer

The correct answer is 'Only two pairs'. 1. **Pair 1 is correctly matched:** Article 43B, added by the 97th Amendment Act of 2011, directs the State to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and professional management of co-operative societies. 2. **Pair 2 is correctly matched:** Article 50 directs the State to take steps to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the State. 3. **Pair 3 is incorrectly matched:** The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is provided for under Article 44, not Article 45. Article 45 deals with the provision for early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years. 4. **Pair 4 is incorrectly matched:** The organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines is covered under Article 48, not Article 47. Article 47 pertains to the duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and standard of living and to improve public health.

The static concept

Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV, Articles 36-51) — Guiding principles for state policy and law-making, aimed at establishing a socio-economic justice framework.

From the news: HC declines to vacate stay on Kalyana Lakshmi, Shaadi Mubarak

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 · India–Europe & Western Strategic Partnerships

With reference to the India-Japan 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership', consider the following statements:

  1. 1.The relationship was elevated to a 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Japan in 2013.
  2. 2.The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) was signed concurrently with the Agreement on Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation in 2015.
  3. 3.The '2+2' Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue between India and Japan was inaugurated in 2019, providing a high-level platform for security and strategic discussions.
  4. 4.The UNICORN project, the first bilateral defence co-development initiative, involves the joint production of advanced radar systems for the Indian Air Force.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Why this answer

The correct answer is 'Only one'. Only the third statement is factually correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. The partnership was elevated to a 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' in 2014 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, not in 2013 under PM Manmohan Singh. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Agreement on Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation was indeed signed in 2015, but the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) was signed much later, in September 2020. Statement 3 is correct. The inaugural ministerial-level 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue was held in New Delhi in November 2019. Statement 4 is incorrect. While the UNICORN project is the first bilateral co-development initiative, it pertains to shipborne communications masts for the Indian Navy, not advanced radar systems for the Indian Air Force.

The static concept

India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, focusing on defence cooperation frameworks like the 2+2 dialogue, ACSA, and technology transfer agreements, central to the Indo-Pacific architecture.

From the news: Rajnath Singh, Koizumi to discuss roadmap for India-Japan defence ties

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 · Social Issues · Public Health & Immunization

Recent discussions on public health financing have highlighted the limitations of various national schemes in reducing out-of-pocket expenditure. In this context, consider the following pairs of health programmes and their primary objectives:

  1. 1.Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) — A conditional cash transfer scheme to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.
  2. 2.Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) — A comprehensive health programme for adolescents (10-19 years) addressing nutrition, mental health, and reproductive health.
  3. 3.Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) — A universal health assurance scheme covering both hospitalization and outpatient (OPD) expenses for all citizens.
  4. 4.National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) — Focuses on health promotion, screening, early detection, and management of non-communicable diseases.

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

  1. AOnly one pair
  2. BOnly two pairsCorrect answer
  3. COnly three pairs
  4. DAll four pairs

Why this answer

Exactly two pairs are correctly matched. - Pair 1 is incorrectly matched. The description of a 'conditional cash transfer scheme to promote institutional delivery' applies to the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), not the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK). JSSK is an entitlement-based scheme that provides completely free and cashless services to pregnant women and sick newborns. - Pair 2 is correctly matched. The Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) is indeed a comprehensive programme for adolescents aged 10-19, covering a wide range of health issues including nutrition, mental health, and sexual/reproductive health. - Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is not a 'universal' scheme; it is targeted at poor and vulnerable families identified through SECC data. Furthermore, it primarily covers in-patient hospitalization expenses and does not cover outpatient (OPD) costs, which are a major component of out-of-pocket expenditure. - Pair 4 is correctly matched. This accurately describes the mandate of the NPCDCS, which is India's flagship programme to tackle the burden of non-communicable diseases through screening, early detection, and management.

The static concept

Design, objectives, and limitations of National Health Programmes and their role in achieving Universal Health Coverage.

From the news: Treat health as a public good, not a market opportunity

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 · Environment · Marine & Coastal Ecosystems

Assertion (A): The ecological resilience of coastal ecosystems like mangroves and salt marshes is severely compromised by 'coastal squeeze', a phenomenon where they are trapped between rising sea levels and rigid inland human development.

Reason (R): India's Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications are primarily designed to facilitate post-disaster relief and compensation mechanisms, rather than proactively regulating developmental activities in vulnerable coastal areas.

  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

Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false. The Assertion accurately describes 'coastal squeeze', where ecosystems like mangroves cannot migrate inland in response to sea-level rise because their path is blocked by hard infrastructure like roads, buildings, or seawalls. This leads to their eventual submergence and degradation. The Reason (R) is false because the primary mandate of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications, issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is the proactive regulation of developmental activities to protect coastal environments. Post-disaster relief and compensation are primarily handled under the framework of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, through mechanisms like the SDRF and NDRF.

The static concept

Coastal Zone Management in India, including the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) framework under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and its intersection with climate change adaptation.

From the news: Why Kerala declared tidal flooding a State-specific disaster | Explained

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.