UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 12th September 2026

Solution (b)
Explanation: The AlphaGenome Atlas is an AI-powered digital resource developed by Google DeepMind to map and predict the molecular effects of genetic changes across the human genome (statement 1 correct). It provides predictions for around 9 billion possible single-nucleotide variants (statement 3 correct). Statement 2 is incorrect because the Atlas examines both protein-coding and non-coding DNA, with a special focus on the largely unexplored non-coding regions, which constitute about 98% of the genome.
Why this question? Tests the basic features and scope of a newly launched AI-genomics tool.
Why important for UPSC? UPSC increasingly asks about applications of AI in science and technology.
PYQ Pattern Link: Similar questions on AI applications in genomics and precision medicine have appeared.

Solution (c)
Explanation: The Red-Naped Ibis is listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List (statement 2 correct) and is listed under Schedule II of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (statement 3 correct). Statement 1 is incorrect because, unlike many ibis species, the Red-Naped Ibis is not strictly dependent on wetlands. It can occur in dry agricultural fields, grasslands, fallow fields, village areas, and urban surroundings.
Why this question? Tests the conservation status and habitat flexibility of a species in the news.
Why important for UPSC? Species-habitat-conservation status combinations are frequently tested in Environment & Ecology.
PYQ Pattern Link: Questions on IUCN status and Schedule listing of species have appeared in prelims.

Solution (d)
Explanation: All three statements are correct. Mocha Port is located on Yemen’s Red Sea coast (statement 1). It is historically famous for the export of Mocha coffee, from which the term “mocha” became associated with coffee (statement 2). It lies roughly 75-80 km from the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, giving it considerable strategic significance (statement 3).
Why this question? Tests the geographical and strategic significance of a port in the news.
Why important for UPSC? Map-based and location-based questions are common in Geography and IR.
PYQ Pattern Link: Questions on strategic chokepoints like Bab-el-Mandeb have appeared in prelims.

Solution (d)
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize, supported by the Republic of Korea, focuses on mother-tongue and multilingual literacy (statement 1). The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, supported by China, promotes functional literacy, especially among rural adults and out-of-school youth (statement 2). The prizes were instituted in 1967 and comprise six annual awards under two categories (statement 3).
Why this question? Tests the basic facts about a UNESCO initiative in the news.
Why important for UPSC? International organizations and their initiatives are frequently tested in IR.
PYQ Pattern Link: Questions on UNESCO and its various programs have appeared in prelims.

Solution (d)
Explanation: All three statements are correct. Exercise Yudh Abhyas is a bilateral army exercise between the Indian Army and the United States Army (statement 1). The 2026 edition is the 22nd edition of the exercise (statement 2). The 2026 edition is notable for the first-time use of counter-drone systems, reflecting the growing importance of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) in modern warfare (statement 3).
Why this question? Tests the factual details of a bilateral military exercise in the news.
Why important for UPSC? Defence exercises and India’s bilateral engagements are important for IR and Security.
PYQ Pattern Link: Questions on India’s bilateral exercises with other countries are common in prelims.