UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 21st August 2026

Solution (a)
Explanation:
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum, systemic herbicide that inhibits the shikimate pathway, a biochemical pathway important in plants and some microorganisms. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. Its non-selective nature means it can affect a wide range of plants, making Statement 2 correct. In India, pesticides are regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and related rules, so Statement 3 is also correct. Statement 4 is incorrect because the uploaded material states that glyphosate’s approved use has traditionally been associated with weed control in tea plantations, not exclusively forest-land management. The conceptual trap lies in confusing the use under controversy—forest-land vegetation clearance—with its traditionally recognised agricultural application.
Why this question?
Tests distinction between chemical properties, regulatory framework and actual approved-use context.
Why important for UPSC?
Links agriculture, environmental degradation, pesticide regulation, biodiversity and forest conservation.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC frequently tests seemingly familiar substances through precise functional and regulatory distinctions.

Solution (b)
Explanation:
The Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project is being developed on the Chenab River in the Udhampur and Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir, making Statement 1 correct. It is described as a run-of-the-river hydropower scheme, so Statement 3 is correct. Geographically, the project is located between Baglihar upstream and Salal downstream, making Statement 2 incorrect because it reverses their relative positions. Statement 4 is correct: its location and the broader focus on western rivers connect the project with India’s hydropower and transboundary-water context under the Indus Waters Treaty. The question deliberately combines geography with river-project sequencing, a classic UPSC elimination trap.
Why this question?
The trap lies in reversing upstream-downstream relationships among major Chenab projects.
Why important for UPSC?
River-project mapping frequently combines physical geography with international water diplomacy.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC has repeatedly used river-basin, project-location and upstream-downstream relationships for elimination.

Solution (a)
Explanation:
Methamphetamine is a synthetic, highly addictive central nervous system stimulant belonging to the amphetamine class, making Statement 1 correct. Its synthetic character distinguishes it from naturally occurring narcotic substances, so Statement 2 is correct. The trafficking of such substances is not merely a public-health issue; it intersects with organised crime, border security and transnational trafficking networks, making Statement 3 correct. Statement 4 is incorrect because the source specifically reports a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) operation that intercepted an illegal export of 56 kg of methamphetamine at Nhava Sheva Port. The key trap is the word “exclusively”, which makes the statement overbroad.
Why this question?
Tests institutional-role confusion alongside classification of a synthetic psychoactive substance.
Why important for UPSC?
Integrates internal security, organised crime, public health and transnational narcotics trafficking.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC frequently tests whether enforcement responsibility is institution-specific or distributed.

Solution (b)
Explanation:
The NMC’s proposed UID for doctors is intended to create a uniform digital identity for medical professionals, strengthening transparency, registration and verification. Hence, (b) correctly captures its immediate governance rationale. Option (a) is incorrect because the proposal concerns medical professionals rather than universal citizen health-insurance identification. Option (c) reverses the purpose: the NMC regulates registration and maintains the National Medical Register, rather than replacing it with a decentralised system. Option (d) is also incorrect because the UID proposal emerges within the NMC’s statutory regulatory framework. The broader conceptual theme is digital governance: identity architecture can improve professional traceability, verification and regulatory accountability.
Why this question?
Distinguishes professional digital identity from broader citizen-centric digital identity systems.
Why important for UPSC?
Connects statutory regulation with digital governance, transparency and institutional accountability.
PYQ Pattern Link
Recent UPSC questions increasingly test the precise objective behind emerging governance initiatives.

Solution (b)
Explanation:
Friends of MY Bharat seeks to engage Indian-origin students, young professionals and other youth living abroad in volunteering and nation-building activities, making Statement 1 correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the initiative is under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through Mera Yuva Bharat, rather than being a conventional diaspora investment mechanism under the Ministry of External Affairs. Statement 3 is correct: listed areas include education, environment, health awareness, disaster relief and cultural preservation. Statement 4 is correct: Mera Yuva Bharat was launched on 31 October 2023 under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The conceptual linkage is between youth participation, diaspora engagement, soft power and participatory governance.
Why this question?
Tests ministry, target group and functional objectives while exploiting diaspora-policy confusion.
Why important for UPSC?
Links youth governance with diaspora diplomacy, soft power and participatory governance.
PYQ Pattern Link
UPSC frequently tests new initiatives through ministry, beneficiary, objective and institutional distinctions.