UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 17th February 2026

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Bio-based chemicals are industrial chemicals produced using biological feedstocks like sugarcane, corn, starch, or biomass residues. These are often produced through fermentation or enzymatic processes. These include organic acids (such as lactic acid), bio-alcohols, solvents, surfactants, and intermediates used in plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• Unlike conventional chemicals, for which the largely available supplies are obtained through sources of fossil fuel, bio-based alternatives reflect a sustainable solution. With bio-based chemicals mostly coming from organic waste resources, development of the circular economy will be based on recycling, efficiency in the use of resources. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• White-Bellied Sea Eagle is a large diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is also known as the white-breasted sea eagle. Adults feature a distinctive white head, neck, and underparts with dark grey/brown wings and a short wedge-shaped tail. It lives primarily in terrestrial habitats near the ocean, especially coasts, islands, and estuaries, but also live in forested areas with access to smaller bodies of water. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Andaman Island, southern China, the Philippines, Wallacea, New Guinea, Australia, and Tasmania, among other countries. It is an apex predator in coastal ecosystems, and is considered an indicator of marine and coastal environmental health. It is classified under the category of ‘Least Concern’ as per the IUCN Red Data List. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Chennakeshava Temple is a 12th-century temple, situated on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur (ancient Velapura), Hassan district, Karnataka. It is also referred to as the Keshava, or Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur. It was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE (after a major military victory in 1116 CE over the Cholas in the great battle of Talakkad), on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, also known as Velapura. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

• It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Chennakeshava (meaning “Handsome Keshava”). The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for 42 bracket figures portraying graceful women in various poses (e.g., Darpana Sundari or “Lady with a Mirror”), which are hallmarks of Hoysala art. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are digital versions of a country’s fiat currency, issued and regulated by the central bank. CBDCs can be used for a variety of purposes, including daily transactions, cross-border payments, and enhancing financial inclusion while providing a more secure and efficient form of digital money. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

The Bahamas was the first country to launch a nationwide Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), named the Sand Dollar, in 2020. In April 2020, China became the first major economy to pilot its digital currency, the e-CNY or Digital Yuan. India has introduced the e-Rupee, a form of digital currency, through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) is a new centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It aims to build resilient, productive, inclusive and climate-responsive cities, positioning those as key drivers of the country’s next phase of economic growth. It provides for the total Central assistance of ₹1 lakh crore. It will be operational from FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, with an extendable implementation period up to FY 2033–34. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are not correct.

A minimum of 50 per cent of project financing has to be mobilised from market sources, including municipal bonds, bank loans and Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs). The remaining share may be contributed by States, Union Territories (UTs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) or other sources. Projects will be selected through a transparent and competitive challenge mode, ensuring support to high-impact and reform-oriented proposals. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.