What is the significance of the Chagos Islands sovereignty agreement?

The Chagos Islands sovereignty agreement signed in 2025 transferred control of the archipelago from the United Kingdom to Mauritius. This followed international legal pressure, including the 2019 International Court of Justice advisory opinion. The agreement includes leasing Diego Garcia to the UK for 99 years for strategic military use.

Which Union Territories in India have a legislative assembly and a Chief Minister?

Three Union Territories in India currently have a legislative assembly and a Chief Minister: Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir. Other Union Territories are administered directly by the President through appointed administrators.

What are the ecological benefits of oak forests in the Himalayan region?

Oak forests in the Himalayas provide multiple ecological benefits, including watershed protection through spring recharge, support for diverse flora such as lichens and bryophytes, and resources like fuel wood and fodder for local communities. They are critical for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem stability.

What is the SMOPS-2026 conference and who organized it?

SMOPS-2026 (Spacecraft Mission Operations Conference) is an international conference focused on innovative space mission management. It was organized by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Astronautical Society of India, and the International Academy of Astronautics, and held in Bengaluru, India.

When did the Finance Commission begin granting funds to rural local bodies in India?

The Finance Commission began awarding grants to rural local bodies from the 10th Finance Commission onward. These grants have strengthened the institutional capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions under Article 243G of the Constitution of India.

What is the Artemis mission program by NASA?

NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon. Artemis I (2022) was an uncrewed mission that orbited the Moon, while Artemis II is the first crewed mission of the program, marking a significant step toward future lunar landings.

What are the phases of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)?

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has three phases: El Niño (warm phase), La Niña (cool phase), and Neutral. These phases are determined by sea surface temperature anomalies in the Niño 3.4 region of the Pacific Ocean.

Who was Jyotirao Govindrao Phule and why is he important?

Jyotirao Govindrao Phule was a prominent 19th-century Indian social reformer known for advocating women's education, caste equality, and social justice. He founded the Satyashodhak Samaj and promoted compulsory primary education. His 200th birth anniversary is being commemorated.

How does an induction cooktop work?

An induction cooktop works by generating a rapidly changing electromagnetic field that induces eddy currents in ferromagnetic cookware. The electrical resistance of the metal converts these currents into heat, allowing efficient and direct heating without an open flame.

What is the conservation status and ecological role of the Himalayan Griffon?

The Himalayan Griffon (Gyps himalayensis) is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Found at elevations between 2,000 and 4,500 meters, it plays a crucial ecological role as a scavenger, helping maintain ecosystem health by disposing of animal carcasses.

What does the term 'Axis of Autocracy' refer to in international relations?

The term 'Axis of Autocracy' refers to the strategic alignment of authoritarian states, commonly used to describe cooperation between Russia and China in global geopolitics.

What are the roles of Sajjadanashin and Mutawalli in Islamic institutions?

Sajjadanashin is the spiritual head of a dargah or waqf institution, while the Mutawalli is responsible for its administrative and managerial functions. These roles are distinct though they may sometimes be held by the same individual.

What is a nuclear triad and does India possess it?

A nuclear triad refers to a country's ability to launch nuclear weapons from land-based missiles, aircraft, and submarine-launched systems. India is among the few countries that possess a functional nuclear triad, enhancing its strategic deterrence capability.

What is the Hubble constant and what is a megaparsec?

The Hubble constant measures the current rate of expansion of the Universe. A megaparsec is an astronomical unit of distance equal to approximately 3.26 million light-years, used to measure vast cosmic distances.

What is the significance of ENSO events for global climate?

ENSO events significantly influence global climate patterns. El Niño can cause heatwaves, droughts, and reduced rainfall in some regions, while La Niña often leads to increased rainfall and cooler temperatures. These events impact agriculture, water resources, and disaster management worldwide.

Daily UPSC Prelims MCQs - Current Affairs - 12th April 2026

Jigyashu Mishra
7 days ago
1 min read

Test your UPSC CSE 2026 preparation with today’s Current Affairs (Every Sunday) Quiz — covering Chagos Islands, UTs and legislative assembly, Oak forests, Spacecraft Mission Operations: SMOPS- 2026, El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Himalayan Griffon, Axis of Autocracy, ‘Sajjadanashin’ and ‘Mutawalli’, nuclear triad and more.

Previous UPSC Current Affairs Quiz

05 April 2026	Click Here
29 March 2026	Click Here
22 March 2026	Click Here
15 March 2026	Click Here
08 March 2026	Click Here
01 March 2026	Click Here

Daily Current Affairs Summary

Science, Technology & Environment MCQs Jan - Dec 2025

₹110.00₹55.00

Buy Now

Monthly Current Affairs Pointer Nov-Dec 2025

₹44.00₹22.00

Buy Now

The PRESS Pad

Daily UPSC Prelims MCQs - Current Affairs - 12th April 2026

Previous UPSC Current Affairs Quiz

Recent Posts

Comments