UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 19th August 2026

Solution (a)
Explanation:
The National Anubhav Awards recognise the contributions and professional experiences of retired government employees in nation-building and public administration. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. The awards are organised by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, making Statement 2 correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Anubhav platform is not restricted to retired Central Government employees. It also covers employees of 12 Public Sector Banks and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Therefore, Statement 4 is correct. The initiative is significant because it seeks to preserve institutional memory and transfer administrative experience across generations. The 2026 edition was the 9th National Anubhav Awards, with 15 awardees recognised.
Why this question?
Tests the beneficiary scope of a seemingly Central Government-specific institutional-memory initiative.
Why important for UPSC?
Links administrative reforms, institutional memory and public personnel management.
PYQ Pattern Link:
UPSC frequently tests the precise beneficiary group and implementing agency of government initiatives.

Solution (d)
Explanation:
AppCoMS 2.0 was launched by the Central Information Commission (CIC) to streamline the digital processing of Second Appeals and Complaints under the RTI Act, 2005. Statements 1 and 2 are therefore correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the RTI appeal mechanism ordinarily involves approaching the First Appellate Authority (FAA) after an unsatisfactory or absent response from the CPIO. A Second Appeal lies before the appropriate Information Commission. AppCoMS 2.0 allows applicants to track case timelines, access case documents, and download hearing notices and decisions/orders. It also permits electronic document submission by CPIOs and use of Digital Signature Certificates. Thus, the key conceptual trap is confusing the initial RTI application/First Appeal with the Second Appeal stage handled through the CIC system.
Why this question?
Tests the hierarchy of RTI remedies rather than merely recalling the AppCoMS acronym.
Why important for UPSC?
RTI institutions are central to transparency, accountability and citizen-centric governance.
PYQ Pattern Link:
UPSC often tests institutional jurisdiction by distinguishing first-instance and appellate authorities.

Solution (a)
Explanation:
INS Imphal is a stealth guided-missile destroyer belonging to the Visakhapatnam class and was constructed under Project 15B. It was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, while its design was undertaken by the Directorate of Naval Design of the Indian Navy. Therefore, Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 4 is incorrect. Project 15B comprises four ships: INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, INS Imphal and INS Surat. Imphal is named after the capital of Manipur, while the other ships are also named after Indian geographical locations. Project 15B succeeds the Kolkata-class (Project 15A) and incorporates stealth features, advanced sensors, electronic warfare systems and long-range missiles.
Why this question?
Combines class, project, builder and naming conventions to enable elimination.
Why important for UPSC?
Defence platforms are frequently tested through indigenous design, class and project relationships.
PYQ Pattern Link:
UPSC often asks defence platforms by linking vessel class with project number and indigenous construction.

Solution (a)
Explanation:
Exercise MAITREE-XV is a bilateral military exercise involving the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army, making Statements 1 and 2 correct. The 15th edition is being conducted in Thailand from 18–31 August 2026 and focuses on company-level joint military training. Its operational training includes activities in jungle and semi-urban terrain, particularly joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, making Statement 3 correct. Statement 4 is incorrect because the exercise is conducted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, not Chapter VI. Chapter VII concerns action with respect to threats to peace, breaches of peace and acts of aggression. MAITREE also supports India’s Act East Policy and strengthens interoperability and operational coordination with Thailand and the broader ASEAN region.
Why this question?
Uses the commonly confused Chapter VI–Chapter VII distinction.
Why important for UPSC?
Connects defence exercises with UN Charter provisions and India’s Act East Policy.
PYQ Pattern Link:
UPSC frequently tests military exercises through participants, objectives, location and institutional frameworks.

Solution (b)
Explanation:
Option (b) best captures the strategic rationale of the ECMS. India’s electronics sector has experienced substantial assembly and manufacturing growth, but remains dependent on imported components. ECMS seeks to address this structural gap by developing domestic manufacturing capabilities across PCBs, semiconductor packaging, battery cells, camera/display sub-assemblies and other critical components. The intended chain is domestic value addition → import substitution → resilient supply chains → exports → employment. Option (a) is incorrect because the scheme does not seek to eliminate all imports through protectionist exclusion. Option (c) wrongly equates component manufacturing with semiconductor fabrication. Option (d) ignores the scheme’s explicit domestic supply-chain objective. The broader policy significance is therefore the creation of a deeper and more resilient electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
Why this question?
Moves beyond factual recall to test the economic logic behind a manufacturing scheme.
Why important for UPSC?
Tests industrial policy through value chains, import dependence and strategic autonomy.
PYQ Pattern Link:
UPSC increasingly asks why a policy exists rather than merely identifying its administrative features.