UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 13th August 2026

Solution (a)
Explanation:
The Hallaniyat Islands lie off the Dhofar Governorate of southern Oman in the Arabian Sea, making Statement 1 correct. They experience strong seasonal upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich waters, particularly during the Southwest Monsoon from May to September, making Statement 2 correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the islands are located in the Arabian Sea, not the Gulf of Oman. Their ecological importance is associated with high marine productivity and biodiversity. The region supports sea turtles, seabirds and cetaceans, making Statement 4 correct. The islands are also recognised as a Key Biodiversity Area, with the assessed KBA area under protected-area coverage. The question combines map-based geography with the ecological mechanism of upwelling.
Why this question?
Tests geographical precision while linking seasonal monsoon-driven upwelling with marine productivity.
Why important for UPSC?
Connects physical geography, marine ecology, biodiversity conservation and strategic Arabian Sea geography.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC frequently combines map locations with ecological characteristics such as currents and upwelling

Solution (a)
Explanation:
The proposed ₹10,000-crore Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme aims to build a competitive domestic container-manufacturing ecosystem and reduce India’s dependence on imported containers, making Statement 1 correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the scheme supports both greenfield manufacturing facilities and expansion of existing brownfield units, along with operational and competitiveness support. Statement 3 is correct because CMAS is designed to strengthen the entire container manufacturing value chain, including testing infrastructure and skill development, rather than merely increasing production. Statement 4 is also correct: CMAS complements PM Gati Shakti, National Logistics Policy, Sagarmala Programme, Make in India and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The scheme therefore has both industrial-policy and supply-chain-resilience dimensions.
Why this question?
The trap is the word “only,” which incorrectly restricts CMAS to greenfield manufacturing.
Why important for UPSC?
Links manufacturing, logistics, EXIM trade, supply-chain resilience and infrastructure policy.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC frequently tests schemes by distinguishing their stated objective from the instruments used to achieve it.

Solution (a)
Explanation:
Colletes bhutanicus is a rare solitary Himalayan bee recorded in India’s Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh for the first time. It was previously known from Bhutan and China, including Xizang (Tibet). Hence, option (a) correctly captures the significance of the record. Option (b) is incorrect because the discovery concerns a particular solitary bee, not honeybees generally. Option (c) is incorrect because the species was already known from Bhutan and China and is therefore not described as endemic exclusively to Arunachal Pradesh. Option (d) is also incorrect because this is not the first Asian discovery of the genus Colletes. Its observation visiting around 25 flowering plant species highlights the importance of high-altitude Himalayan pollinators for both wild vegetation and agriculture.
Why this question?
Distinguishes “first record in India” from “first discovery” and “endemic species.”
Why important for UPSC?
Highlights pollinator diversity, ecosystem services and the ecological importance of Himalayan habitats.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC often tests biodiversity discoveries through distribution range, habitat and taxonomic status.

Solution (c)
Explanation:
The Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme was launched in 2016 under the National Health Mission, making Statement 1 correct. Its objective is to provide free haemodialysis services to eligible patients, particularly through district hospitals and other public health facilities, making Statement 2 correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because operationalising centres and deploying trained dialysis technicians are responsibilities of the respective States/UTs and implementing partners, while the Centre provides technical and financial support under NHM. Statement 4 is therefore correct. The programme illustrates cooperative federalism because although public health and hospitals are State subjects, the Union supports States through a centrally supported national health framework. This distinction between constitutional responsibility and implementation support is important for UPSC.
Why this question?
Tests the distinction between constitutional allocation of functions and cooperative implementation.
Why important for UPSC?
Directly links healthcare schemes with federalism, NHM and Centre-State responsibilities.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC repeatedly examines centrally supported schemes through implementing agencies and federal responsibilities.

Solution (d)
Explanation:
The Sangeet Natak Akademi, established in 1953, is India’s national academy for music, dance and drama, making Statement 1 correct. It is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture, making Statement 2 correct. Statement 3 reverses the two honours and is therefore incorrect. Akademi Ratna is the Fellowship and represents the highest honour of the Akademi, whereas Akademi Puraskar comprises annual awards recognising excellence or contribution in performing arts. Statement 4 is correct because the Akademi’s fields include Hindustani and Carnatic music, classical dance, theatre, traditional/folk/tribal arts and puppetry. Its activities include research, documentation, grants, festivals, training and promotion, contributing to preservation of India’s intangible cultural heritage.
Why this question?
The deliberate reversal of Akademi Ratna and Puraskar creates a high-value factual trap.
Why important for UPSC?
Tests cultural institutions, intangible heritage and distinctions among national academies.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC frequently differentiates cultural bodies through mandate, ministry, awards and artistic domain.