UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 11th August 2026

Solution (a)
Explanation:
E-Samudra was launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways as a unified digital platform for seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other maritime stakeholders. It provides a single digital window and enables end-to-end workflows, online payments, real-time tracking and digitally issued certificates. Therefore, Statements 1 and 2 are correct. It is implemented through the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under MoPSW, making Statement 3 correct. Statement 4 is incorrect because E-Samudra complements, rather than replaces, e-NAVIK. The latter continues to provide 24×7 grievance redressal. The broader objective is Digital First and Faceless Governance in the maritime sector.
Why this question?
Tests distinction between complementary digital initiatives rather than assuming functional replacement.
Why important for UPSC?
Links digital governance with maritime administration, welfare, security and blue economy objectives.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC frequently tests government portals by distinguishing their institutional mandates and functional roles.

Solution (a)
Explanation:
Phulkari literally means “flower work” and is a counted-thread embroidery traditionally associated with the Punjab region. It was traditionally practised on khaddar, using colourful silk threads, making Statements 1 and 2 correct. Its historical association is with undivided Punjab, encompassing present-day Punjab, Haryana and parts of Pakistan, so Statement 3 is also correct. Statement 4 is the conceptual trap. GI protection primarily protects the geographical indication/name and authorised production; it does not automatically prohibit every similar design or traditional technique from being imitated mechanically. Consequently, machine-made imitations can still compete with hand embroiderers. The issue demonstrates the distinction between geographical protection, intellectual property and preservation of traditional craftsmanship and artisan livelihoods.
Why this question?
Tests the often-misunderstood scope of GI protection vis-à-vis designs and production methods.
Why important for UPSC?
Connects GI tags with cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, handicrafts and artisan livelihoods.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC has repeatedly tested GI products through region, characteristics and intellectual-property concepts.

Solution (b)
Explanation:
Suckermouth catfish is an invasive alien species originating from the Amazon River basin in South America. According to the source, its presence in India is largely linked to the aquarium trade, particularly the release of unwanted aquarium fish into natural water bodies. Thus, option (b) correctly captures both its origin and introduction pathway. The species can feed on fish eggs, compete with native bottom-feeding fish and burrow into riverbanks, potentially contributing to erosion and weakening earthen dam structures. Option (a) incorrectly calls it native, while (c) provides an unsupported introduction pathway and misstates its principal ecological impacts. Option (d) incorrectly minimises its ecological consequences. The Ujani intervention is notable for community-driven removal involving local fishermen.
Why this question?
Tests the pathway through which ornamental species can become invasive ecological threats.
Why important for UPSC?
Invasive alien species are central to biodiversity loss, ecosystem disruption and conservation policy.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC often asks invasive species through origin, introduction pathway and ecological consequences.

Solution (d)
Explanation:
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease caused by Aphthovirus, belonging to the family Picornaviridae, making Statement 1 correct. It affects cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs and deer, so Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because horses and zebras are specifically identified as animals not affected by FMD. Statement 4 is correct: Foot-and-Mouth Disease in livestock is distinct from hand-foot-and-mouth disease in children, despite the similarity in their names. Transmission can occur through direct contact, fomites, contaminated feed or milk and respiratory aerosols. The outbreak among Mithuns in Arunachal Pradesh therefore has implications for livestock health, tribal livelihoods and veterinary biosecurity.
Why this question?
The principal trap is confusing similarly named but biologically distinct diseases.
Why important for UPSC?
Links animal disease, livestock economy, veterinary science and Northeast India’s tribal livelihoods.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC science questions often exploit misleading similarities in names, organisms and disease causation.

Solution (a)
Explanation:
Myoglobin is an oxygen-binding protein found mainly in skeletal and cardiac muscles and functions as an intramuscular oxygen reservoir. Haemoglobin, by contrast, is principally responsible for oxygen transport through blood. Hence, option (a) correctly distinguishes their principal physiological roles. Both belong to the globin protein family and contain heme, an iron-containing group involved in oxygen binding; therefore, options (b) and (d) are incorrect. Option (c) is also incorrect because these are not membrane proteins and myoglobin is not a plant-exclusive protein. The source highlights an emerging biotechnology application in which genetically modified lettuce and tobacco were engineered through chloroplast transformation to produce bovine and porcine myoglobin, representing molecular farming.
Why this question?
Tests functional differentiation between two closely related oxygen-binding globin proteins.
Why important for UPSC?
Connects basic biology with genetic engineering, molecular farming and alternative protein production.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC often tests biological molecules through differences in structure, location and physiological function.