UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 23rd July 2026

Solution (d)
Explanation
Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. The Salal Hydroelectric Project is located on the Chenab River in Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir, and is a run-of-the-river (RoR) project operated by NHPC, with an installed capacity of 690 MW. Under the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960, the Chenab is classified as one of the Western Rivers, along with the Indus and Jhelum, which were allocated primarily to Pakistan. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect. However, India retains specified rights over the Western Rivers, including hydroelectric generation through RoR projects, subject to treaty provisions governing design and operation. The question tests the crucial distinction between Eastern and Western Rivers.
Why this question? Tests river classification under IWT alongside hydropower rights.
Why important for UPSC? Water treaties and Himalayan hydropower projects frequently intersect geography and international relations.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar to UPSC questions combining rivers, dams and international agreements.

Solution (c)
Explanation
Statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct. eVTOL stands for Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft. These aircraft employ electric propulsion and can take off and land vertically, potentially eliminating the need for conventional runways. Their applications may include air taxis, emergency medical services, disaster relief, logistics and airport connectivity. Statement 2 is incorrect because eVTOL designs vary considerably. They may employ multirotor, lift-plus-cruise or vectored-thrust configurations, rather than a single helicopter-style rotor. Limited battery energy density, safety certification, air traffic management, charging infrastructure and weather sensitivity remain important challenges.
Why this question? Traps candidates into assuming all vertical aircraft use helicopter-like rotor configurations.
Why important for UPSC? Emerging mobility technologies connect science, infrastructure and environmental concerns.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar to UPSC questions testing technology features against overgeneralised statements.

Solution (a)
Explanation
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. QDENGA, or TAK-003, is a live attenuated, tetravalent dengue vaccine developed by Takeda. It targets all four major dengue virus serotypes—DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. The material also highlights that, unlike Dengvaxia, QDENGA does not require proof of previous dengue infection before vaccination. Statement 4 is incorrect because dengue is caused by a virus, not a bacterium, and is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The question exploits the common confusion between the causative pathogen and its vector.
Why this question? Distinguishes the viral pathogen from the mosquito vector and vaccine characteristics.
Why important for UPSC? Public-health questions often combine pathogen, vector, vaccine and disease-control strategies.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar to UPSC questions on diseases, vectors and vaccine technologies.

Solution (d)
Explanation
Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. Batukeshwar Dutt was associated with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and was a close associate of Bhagat Singh. On 8 April 1929, the two threw bombs inside the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi and deliberately surrendered rather than fleeing. The objective was political protest and publicity—famously expressed through the idea of “making the deaf hear”—rather than causing mass casualties. The action was undertaken in opposition to repressive colonial legislative measures, particularly the Public Safety Bill and Trade Disputes Bill. Thus, Statement 3 is incorrect.
Why this question? Challenges the common misconception that revolutionary violence always aimed at mass casualties.
Why important for UPSC? Revolutionary nationalism requires precise understanding of organisations, methods and political objectives.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar to UPSC questions matching revolutionaries with organisations and events.

Solution (a)
Explanation
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. Mission Golden Spice is a ₹175.45-crore, five-year initiative (2025–2030) led by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), with the North Eastern Council as the anchor institution. It seeks to strengthen the entire value chain of Meghalaya’s GI-tagged Lakadong Turmeric, rather than focusing merely on cultivation. Its interventions include reducing post-harvest losses, processing, cold-chain infrastructure, branding, GI monetisation, market linkages and exports. Statement 4 is incorrect because the mission aims to strengthen and expand Lakadong turmeric cultivation and value addition, not replace turmeric with alternative crops.
Why this question? Tests value-chain integration rather than merely identifying a government scheme.
Why important for UPSC? Links GI products, regional development, agriculture and value addition.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar to UPSC questions on GI products and government initiatives.