Daily Current Affairs Quiz for UPSC Prelims 2027 — 30 August 2026

The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, provide the primary legal framework for the protection of wetlands in India. Which of the following activities is explicitly prohibited within notified wetlands under these rules?

Why this answer

The correct answer is based on the specific prohibitions listed in the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. The rules explicitly prohibit the conversion of wetland for non-wetland uses, such as encroachment, and the setting up of any new industry or expansion of existing industries within notified wetlands. In contrast, traditional livelihood activities like fishing are not banned but are subject to the principle of 'wise use' and managed by State Wetland Authorities. Similarly, water withdrawal is regulated, not outright prohibited, to ensure the wetland's ecological character is maintained. Scientific research and regulated eco-tourism are generally permitted as they align with conservation goals.

The static concept

Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and the principle of 'wise use' in environmental governance.

In the context of promoting strategic sectors like renewable energy, the government often employs fiscal policy instruments to balance producer incentives with consumer affordability. Which of the following best describes a common mechanism used in India for this purpose, as exemplified by recent policies for Compressed Biogas (CBG)?

Why this answer

The correct option accurately describes the mechanism recently clarified for Compressed Biogas (CBG) under the GOBARdhan scheme. The government provides direct, government-funded 'affordability support' to make production viable, and then pools the higher-cost CBG with a much larger base of domestically produced natural gas. This 'pooling' averages out the cost, minimizing the price impact on the end consumer. The other options describe different, incorrect mechanisms. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is based on rewarding incremental sales, not direct price support. The Administered Price Mechanism (APM) applies to conventional gas from PSUs like ONGC and OIL, with a different pricing formula, and does not govern CBG. Simply waiving input taxes is only one part of potential support and does not represent the full, complex mechanism of subsidy and pooling.

The static concept

Fiscal Policy Instruments: Subsidies, Administered Prices, and Incentives for Strategic Sectors.

Recent events involving transnational criminal organizations in Latin America have highlighted the importance of international cooperation. In this context, which statement most accurately describes India's legal and institutional framework for combating Transnational Organized Crime (TOC)?

Why this answer

The correct statement accurately reflects India's multi-pronged approach. India ratified the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) in 2011. However, it did not enact a single omnibus law for TOC. Instead, it relies on existing legislation like the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, etc. Crucially, under India's federal structure, 'Police' and 'Public Order' are State subjects, meaning State Governments have the primary responsibility for crime prevention and investigation, with the Centre playing a coordinating and supplementary role. The option suggesting a single comprehensive law is incorrect as no such law exists. The statement about the CBI being the sole authority is wrong; while CBI is the Nodal Authority for general liaison, the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs is the designated Central Authority for mutual legal assistance. The claim of exclusive central jurisdiction is false due to the constitutional division of powers where law and order is a State subject.

The static concept

India's legal and institutional framework for combating Transnational Organized Crime (TOC), including its obligations under the UN Convention against TOC (Palermo Convention) and the federal division of powers.

Recent advancements in medical research on genetic disorders have brought India's regulatory framework for advanced therapies into focus. Which of the following statements most accurately describes the regulatory landscape for Gene Therapy Products (GTPs) in India?

Why this answer

The correct statement accurately reflects the multi-agency regulatory framework in India. Gene Therapy Products (GTPs) are classified as 'new drugs' and therefore fall under the purview of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for approval. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), along with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), has issued the 'National Guidelines for Gene Therapy Product Development and Clinical Trials' to guide research and development. The option stating ICMR is the sole authority is incorrect; it provides guidelines and promotes research, but CDSCO is the drug regulator. The option about the GTAEC is incorrect because this committee is a planned advisory body, not a constituted autonomous statutory authority that has replaced the CDSCO. The option linking regulation to the National Policy for Rare Diseases and the Department of Biotechnology is also incorrect; the policy is under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and does not designate DBT as the regulatory clearance authority, which remains with CDSCO.

The static concept

Regulatory framework for biotechnology and advanced medical therapies in India, including the roles of ICMR, CDSCO, DBT, and the National Policy for Rare Diseases.

With reference to the management of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in India, consider the following statements:

1. 1.The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the designated nodal agency for issuing comprehensive guidelines on the management of GLOFs.
2. 2.The National Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risk Mitigation Project (NGRMP) is being implemented in all the states and union territories located in the Indian Himalayan Region.
3. 3.The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines recommend structural measures such as controlled breaching and siphoning out water to reduce the volume of vulnerable glacial lakes.
4. 4.The Central Water Commission (CWC) is tasked with monitoring glacial lakes to detect significant changes in their water spread areas, which could indicate rising risk.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Why this answer

Two statements are correct. Statement 3 is correct as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines from 2020 do recommend structural measures like controlled breaching and siphoning water to mitigate GLOF risks. Statement 4 is also correct; the Central Water Commission (CWC) is responsible for monitoring glacial lakes for changes in water spread area to identify potential threats. However, Statement 1 is incorrect because the NDMA, not the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), is the nodal body that issued the comprehensive GLOF management guidelines. Statement 2 is incorrect because the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Project (NGRMP) is being implemented in only four specific states (Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh), not all Himalayan states and UTs.

The static concept

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) as a climate change-induced disaster, and India's institutional framework for its mitigation and management under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Recent advancements in diagnostics for neurodegenerative disorders, such as the development of new tools for Alzheimer's disease, highlight the importance of specific biomarkers. Consider the following pairs:

1. 1.Alzheimer's Disease — Amyloid-beta plaques
2. 2.Parkinson's Disease — Alpha-synuclein aggregates
3. 3.Huntington's Disease — Tau tangles
4. 4.Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease — Dopamine deficiency

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Why this answer

Only two pairs are correctly matched. - The pair 'Alzheimer's Disease — Amyloid-beta plaques' is correct. The accumulation of Amyloid-beta protein into plaques in the brain is a primary hallmark of Alzheimer's. - The pair 'Parkinson's Disease — Alpha-synuclein aggregates' is correct. The misfolding and aggregation of alpha-synuclein protein into structures called Lewy bodies is characteristic of Parkinson's. - The pair 'Huntington's Disease — Tau tangles' is incorrect. Huntington's is caused by a mutation in the Huntingtin gene leading to an abnormal Huntingtin protein. Neurofibrillary tangles of Tau protein are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. - The pair 'Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease — Dopamine deficiency' is incorrect. Creutzfeldt-Jakob is a prion disease caused by misfolded prion proteins. A deficiency in the neurotransmitter dopamine is a key feature of Parkinson's disease.

The static concept

Human Physiology: Neurodegenerative disorders and their specific protein-based biomarkers (e.g., Amyloid-beta, Alpha-synuclein, Prions, Huntingtin).

With reference to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and its regulatory framework, consider the following statements:

1. 1.The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established in 2006, the same year the Food Safety and Standards Act was passed.
2. 2.FSSAI is a statutory body that functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
3. 3.The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, consolidated several pre-existing laws related to food safety, including the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
4. 4.As per recent proposals for front-of-pack labelling, single-ingredient food products like ghee and edible oils are to be exempted from mandatory pictorial warnings.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Why this answer

Two statements are correct. Statement 3 is correct as the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, was a consolidating act that repealed several older food laws, including the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. Statement 4 is also correct; recent FSSAI proposals for front-of-pack warnings exempt single-ingredient products like ghee and jaggery. However, Statement 1 is incorrect; while the Act was passed in 2006, the FSSAI was established later in 2008. Statement 2 is incorrect; FSSAI functions under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, not the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

The static concept

The role, mandate, and legal framework of statutory bodies, specifically the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the FSSAI.

Recent state-level initiatives to reform student marksheets align with the broader principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes holistic, competency-based learning. In this context, consider the following pairs regarding key frameworks and bodies under NEP 2020:

1. 1.PARAKH — Setting norms, standards, and guidelines for student assessment and evaluation for all recognised school boards.
2. 2.Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) — A national-level framework for certifying skills acquired through informal or non-formal learning channels.
3. 3.National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) — A competency-based framework that organizes all qualifications according to a series of levels of knowledge, skills, and aptitude.
4. 4.5+3+3+4 Curricular Structure — A policy mandate ensuring at least 50% of learners in the school system have exposure to vocational education by 2025.

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Why this answer

Only two pairs are correctly matched. Pair 1 is correct: PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) is the national assessment centre established under NEP 2020 to function as a standard-setting body for all recognised school boards. Pair 3 is correct: The National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) is a nationally integrated, competency-based framework that organizes qualifications based on levels of learning outcomes, covering both vocational and general education. Pair 2 is incorrect: The Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) is a digital repository for academic credits earned in higher education, facilitating flexible entry and exit. Certifying skills from informal learning is the function of the 'Recognition of Prior Learning' (RPL) scheme, which is aligned with the NSQF. Pair 4 is incorrect: The '5+3+3+4' model refers to the new pedagogical and curricular structure (Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, Secondary stages). The target of ensuring at least 50% of learners have vocational exposure by 2025 is a specific policy goal laid out in NEP 2020, not the definition or function of the structure itself.

The static concept

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Key pillars including curricular restructuring, assessment reforms (PARAKH), and integration of vocational education (NSQF).

Why this answer

Both the assertion and the reason are correct, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. Energy cooperation, particularly in hydropower, is a cornerstone of India-Nepal ties (Assertion is true). The 2014 Power Trade Agreement (PTA) was a landmark step that created a formal, market-based framework for this cooperation. It moved beyond a project-based approach to allow for trading on Indian power exchanges, thus institutionalizing the relationship and making it a 'central pillar' (Reason is true). The PTA is the specific enabler for the broad policy outcome described in the assertion, making it the correct explanation.

The static concept

India-Nepal Relations: Energy Cooperation and 'Neighbourhood First' Policy.

Why this answer

Assertion (A) is correct. Section 6 of the NIA Act, 2008, empowers the Central Government to direct the NIA to investigate a scheduled offence anywhere in India, overriding the need for consent from the state government. This gives the agency its federal character in investigating terror-related crimes. Reason (R) is incorrect. It contains two factual errors. First, trials are not conducted 'exclusively' in courts set up by the Centre; Section 22 of the Act allows State Governments to designate Courts of Session as Special Courts for trying scheduled offences. Second, these Special Courts do not possess 'nationwide jurisdiction'; their jurisdiction is typically limited to a specific state or area as defined during their establishment. Therefore, A is true but R is false.

The static concept

National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008: Jurisdiction, Scheduled Offences, Special Courts, and its role in India's federal security structure.