UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 15th August 2026

Solution (d)
Explanation:
The Kuril Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the northwestern Pacific, extending from the Kamchatka Peninsula towards Hokkaido, making Statement 1 correct. They form a geographical boundary between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean, making Statement 2 correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kuril chain extends predominantly northeastward from Hokkaido towards Kamchatka, rather than being entirely south of Japan; the Korean Peninsula is also geographically distant and is not relevant to the archipelago’s location. Statement 4 is correct: Japan claims four southern islands—Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and Habomai—as the Northern Territories, while Russia administers them. The islands also form part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and are characterised by volcanic and seismic activity.
Why this question?
Tests map-based precision through island-chain orientation and territorial geography.
Why important for UPSC?
Links physical geography, geopolitics, maritime access and Russia–Japan relations.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC frequently tests disputed regions through neighbouring seas, island chains and strategic location.

Solution (a)
Explanation:
Ghatiana karnataka is a newly described freshwater crab from the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary in Udupi district of Karnataka, making Statements 1 and 2 correct. Its habitat includes perennial streams and evergreen/semi-evergreen forests, making Statement 3 correct. During the monsoon it occurs around laterite rocks, while during other seasons it may shelter in moist tree cavities. Statement 4 is incorrect because, although eight species of Ghatiana, including the newly described species, are endemic to Karnataka, the source does not state that every known species of the genus is endemic to Karnataka. The species is the 15th known member of the genus in the Western Ghats. Its sensitivity to habitat alteration and pollution makes it potentially useful as an indicator of relatively undisturbed freshwater–forest ecosystems.
Why this question?
Uses the classic UPSC trap of converting “many species” into “all species.”
Why important for UPSC?
Connects Western Ghats endemism with freshwater biodiversity and habitat sensitivity.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC often tests newly discovered species through habitat, location, endemism and ecological significance.

Solution (c)
Explanation:
Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) was launched in 2023 specifically for the development of 75 PVTG communities across 18 States and one Union Territory, making Statement 1 correct. Its approach focuses on saturation of basic services through 11 interventions implemented by nine Union Ministries, making Statement 2 correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because PM-JANMAN is not a universal scheme for all Scheduled Tribes; its specific target group is PVTGs, who face particular geographical isolation and socio-economic vulnerability. Statement 4 is correct because the scheme covers housing, safe drinking water, education, health and nutrition, roads, telecom connectivity, electrification and sustainable livelihoods. The scheme therefore represents a convergence-based approach to inclusive tribal development.
Why this question?
The key trap is equating the targeted PVTG scheme with a universal Scheduled Tribe development programme.
Why important for UPSC?
Tests tribal welfare architecture, PVTGs, convergence and targeted development interventions.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC frequently distinguishes schemes by beneficiary category rather than merely their broad policy objective.

Solution (b)
Explanation:
Mission Mausam aims to make India a “Weather-ready and Climate-smart Nation.” It is a comprehensive meteorological initiative rather than a single-purpose weather-modification programme. Its components include advanced Doppler weather radars, satellites and remote sensing, High Performance Computing, Numerical Weather Prediction, Earth System Models, AI/ML and physics-AI models, and improved nowcasting and early-warning systems. Therefore, option (b) is correct. Option (a) is too narrow: although weather modification research is one of its six verticals, the mission encompasses much broader observation and prediction capabilities. Option (c) is incorrect because it is not satellite-only. Option (d) confuses atmospheric composition monitoring with the mission’s overarching purpose. Its applications include cyclones, floods, heatwaves, lightning, agriculture, fisheries and aviation.
Why this question?
Separates the mission’s comprehensive weather architecture from its narrower weather-modification component.
Why important for UPSC?
Links meteorology with AI, disaster management, agriculture and climate resilience.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC often tests whether a broad mission is being incorrectly reduced to one prominent component.

Solution (a)
Explanation:
Sowa-Rigpa is a traditional system of medicine practised mainly in Ladakh and Himalayan regions, making Statement 1 correct. It has strong historical links with Tibetan medical traditions and incorporates knowledge from India, Tibet, China and other Himalayan regions, making Statement 2 correct. The National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa is located in Leh, Ladakh, and comes under the Ministry of AYUSH, making Statement 3 correct. Statement 4 is incorrect because Sowa-Rigpa has a broader holistic approach involving diagnosis, prevention and treatment and the use of medicinal plants and other natural resources. Government efforts include standardisation, research, education, documentation and preservation. Thus, the system should be understood as a broader traditional knowledge system rather than simply a medicinal-plant-based practice.
Why this question?
Tests regional, institutional and conceptual dimensions while avoiding simplistic “herbal medicine” identification.
Why important for UPSC?
Connects traditional knowledge, AYUSH institutions, Himalayan culture and healthcare systems.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC frequently asks traditional knowledge systems through region, institutional affiliation and distinctive features.