UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 23rd January 2026

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Bhitarkanika National Park is located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha. It spreada across an area of 672 sq.km. of the mangrove swamp. It is India’s second largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sunderbans. It is situated on the delta formed by the three rivers, namely Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra, and the park houses an array of creeks, backwaters, estuaries, deltas, and mudhuts. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are INCORRECT.

The Gahirmatha Beach which forms the boundary of the sanctuary in the east is the largest colony of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. It is also home to the largest congregation of the endangered saltwater crocodile in the country. The other unique phenomenon is the Bagagahana or the heronry near Surajpore creek. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

The painted outline of a human hand inside a cave on the Muna island represents what researchers are calling the oldest example of rock art in the world, created at least 67,800 years ago. It is situated in the Southeast Sulawesi province of Indonesia. The island falls within the Wallacea biogeographical zone, a transition area between Asian and Australasian flora and fauna. Hence, option d is the correct answer.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Often referred to as a “silent” disease, MASLD is a liver condition that can progress over time if left unaddressed. It is a long-lasting liver condition caused by having too much fat in the liver. MASH causes the liver to swell and become damaged. Previously known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), its name was changed to better reflect the condition’s underlying causes. The new term highlights that the disease is a metabolic one, linked to factors such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

• It is the most common form of liver disease in the world. It ranges in severity from hepatic steatosis (formerly fatty liver infiltration or simply fatty liver) to a more severe form of disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

Atal Pension Yojana was launched by the Government of India on 9th May 2015. It was designed to encourage voluntary savings for retirement by offering defined pension benefits, linked to the age of joining and amount of contribution. It is administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). It is aimed at workers in the unorganised sector. It was initially available to all citizens of India between 18 and 40 years of age. With effect from 1st October 2022, individuals paying income tax are not eligible to join the scheme. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Kaladi is a famous Dogra cuisine. It is a traditional dairy product of Udhampur district, Jammu & Kashmir. It is often called the “mozzarella of Jammu” due to its stretchable texture when cooked. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

It has received the Geographical Indication tag (GI). The government aims to improve this through scientific validation, while ensuring the preservation of Kaladi’s taste, texture, and nutritional identity, with opportunities for recipe diversification. Hence, statement 2 is correct.