UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 25th August 2026

Solution (d)
Explanation:
The Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative is a nationwide programme launched by NSDC and Cultus Education in collaboration with AWS, with support from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It particularly targets youth in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The training covers cloud infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, programming, databases and AI fundamentals. AWS re/Start is a free, cohort-based workforce-development programme aimed at building cloud-computing skills and connecting trained candidates with employment opportunities. The initiative is delivered online and also includes a National Hackathon. Thus, all three statements are correct.
Why this question?
Tests basic identification of beneficiaries, training areas and the AWS re/Start component.
Why important for UPSC?
Links digital skilling with employability, technology and inclusive growth.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC often asks about government initiatives through their target groups and distinctive features.

Solution (a)
Explanation:
Thiksey Monastery is located in Ladakh, about 19 km east of Leh, overlooking the Indus Valley. It was founded in 1433 and is associated with the Gelug or Yellow Hat school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is a large 12-storey complex and is architecturally reminiscent of the Potala Palace of Lhasa. It houses numerous Buddhist artefacts, including stupas, statues, thangkas and wall paintings. It is also famous for its approximately 15-metre-high Maitreya Buddha statue and hosts the annual Gustor festival. Therefore, option (a) is correct, while the other options incorrectly associate it with different Buddhist traditions.
Why this question?
Tests monastery–location–Buddhist tradition association, a common factual trap.
Why important for UPSC?
Himalayan Buddhist traditions are important intersections of geography, culture and history.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC frequently uses monastery–sect–region combinations in Art and Culture questions.

Solution (d)
Explanation:
The Indian Star Tortoise is scientifically known as Geochelone elegans. It is a terrestrial tortoise characterised by distinctive star-like patterns on its carapace. Its natural distribution extends across India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The species is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Major threats include illegal wildlife trade, habitat degradation and collection for the exotic-pet trade. In India, it receives protection under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, while its international trade is regulated through CITES. Therefore, all four statements are correct.
Why this question?
Combines species identity, distribution, conservation status and threats.
Why important for UPSC?
Wildlife species and their conservation status are recurring Prelims themes.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC frequently asks species through scientific name, habitat and conservation status.

Solution (a)
Explanation:
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) was established in 1986 and is recognised as India’s first Biosphere Reserve. It extends across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka in the Western Ghats. It was included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2000 under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. It contains diverse ecosystems, including tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist and dry deciduous forests, thorn forests, montane shola forests and grasslands. Thus, option (a) is correct. The other options incorrectly equate a Biosphere Reserve with a National Park, World Heritage Site or a single ecosystem type.
Why this question?
Tests distinction between Biosphere Reserves, National Parks and UNESCO categories.
Why important for UPSC?
Protected-area classifications and UNESCO conservation programmes frequently overlap in Prelims.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC often tests location, year and international recognition of protected landscapes.

Solution (a)
Explanation:
Ribociclib is an oral targeted anticancer drug belonging to the CDK4/6 inhibitor class. It blocks cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6, thereby restricting the progression of cancer cells through the cell cycle. It is primarily used in hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapies act on specific molecular pathways involved in tumour growth. The other options are incorrect: ribociclib is neither a monoclonal antibody nor an antibiotic, and it is not an mRNA-based therapeutic. The topic also illustrates the intersection of biotechnology, pharmaceutical patents and access to essential medicines.
Why this question?
Tests recognition of a targeted therapy and its molecular mechanism.
Why important for UPSC?
Modern medicine questions increasingly connect drug technology with patents and access.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC Science questions often test drug classes through mechanism rather than brand recognition.