The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Why Are Some People Mosquito Magnets? Science of Attraction Subject: Science & Tech – Mosquito Behaviour; Health – Vector Borne Diseases; NVBDCP; Malaria; Dengue. Why in News? A new study published in the journal Cell (May 2026) has identified the key factors that make certain individuals more attractive to mosquitoes than others Key Findings Primary Attractant: Carboxylic Acids People who are “mosquito magnets” produce high levels of carboxylic acids on their skin These acids are produced by skin microbiota (natural bacteria living on human skin) Carboxylic acid levels remain stable over time – if you are a magnet today, you will likely remain one How the Study Was Conducted Researchers placed nylon stockings on participants’ arms for six hours to capture skin odour Stockings were placed in traps – mosquitoes consistently swarmed towards high-carboxylic acid samples Cell-free control had negligible attraction Other Attraction Factors Factor Impact Body heat Mosquitoes detect thermal signals Carbon dioxide (CO₂) Exhaled CO₂ indicates presence of living host Skin microbiota Produces carboxylic acids (primary long-term attractant) Why Mosquitoes Bite Female mosquitoes need a blood meal to obtain protein for egg development Male mosquitoes feed only on nectar (do not bite) Vector Control Measures in India Government Programmes National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) – under Ministry of Health National Dengue Control Programme National Malaria Elimination Programme (target 2030) Methods Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITBN) – especially for malaria Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) Larval source management (breeding site elimination) Biological control (Gambusia fish – larvivorous fish) Source/Reference: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/why-are-some-people-mosquito-magnets/article70969100.ece/amp/ NEET-UG 2026 Cancelled: NTA Orders Re-Test After Paper Leak Subject: Polity – Education; Governance – NTA; Current Affairs – NEET Cancellation; Paper Leak; Why in News? National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3, 2026 following evidence of paper leak A re-test will be conducted in the “minimal possible time” (schedule to be announced in 7-10 days) About NTA Establishment Created in November 2017 under Ministry of Education Registered as Society under Societies Registration Act, 1860 Mandate Conducts entrance examinations for higher education institutions Known for computer-based testing (CBT) , though NEET is currently pen-and-paper (OMR-based) Key Examinations Conducted NEET-UG (medical), JEE-Main (engineering), CUET (central university admission), UGC-NET, GPAT, CMAT, etc. Previous Controversy (2024) NEET-UG 2024 also faced paper leak allegations An expert committee recommended reform measures (under review) This is the second consecutive year of NEET paper leak controversy Computer-Based Test (CBT) – A Policy Question Challenge for CBT NTA has capacity for only 1.5 lakh CBT candidates per day NEET has 22 lakh candidates – would require multiple days of testing Would need different question papers and score normalisation Key Terms for Prelims NTA: National Testing Agency (established 2017 under Ministry of Education) NEET-UG: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate medical admissions CBI: Central Bureau of Investigation – probing the leak Zero Error Zero Tolerance: NTA DG’s policy for entrance tests OMR: Optical Mark Recognition – used for pen-and-paper answer sheets CBT: Computer-Based Testing – digital exam format Source/Reference: https://www.thehindu.com/education/neet-ug-2026-cancelled-to-be-reconducted-paper-leak-nta-may-12-2026/article70968713.ece BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meet in Delhi: West Asia Divisions Test Bloc Subject: International Relations – BRICS; Multilateralism; New Development Bank; India’s Chairmanship. Why in News? BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on May 14-15, 2026 in New Delhi chaired by Dr. S. Jaishankar Sharp divisions among members over West Asia crisis (Iran-Israel-US war) threaten joint statement India assumes BRICS Chairmanship for 2026 (fourth time: 2012, 2016, 2021, 2026) About BRICS Origin Term “BRIC” coined by Jim O’Neill (Goldman Sachs) in 2001 Formalised in 2006; first summit in Yekaterinburg (2009) South Africa joined in 2010 Current Members (11) Founding (5): Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa Joined 2024: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE Joined 2025: Indonesia Key Statistics 40% of world population 30% of global GDP 25% of world economy Key BRICS Institutions New Development Bank (NDB) Established 2014 (Fortaleza Declaration); operational 2015 HQ: Shanghai, China Authorised Capital: $100 billion Voting: Equal rights (unlike IMF/World Bank) India’s Projects: 20 projects worth $4.87 million Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) $100 billion pool for Balance of Payments crises India’s contribution: 18billion(sameasBrazil,Russia;China41 bn, South Africa $5 bn) Delhi Meeting: Challenges West Asia Divisions Iran vs UAE differences over language on US-Israel attacks Consensus already failed at senior officials’ MENA meeting (April 23-24) Outcome Joint statement uncertain – may be replaced by Chair Statement Key Participation China’s Wang Yi – skipping (scheduling conflict with Trump’s China visit) Russia’s Lavrov and Iran’s Araghchi – attending Araghchi-Jaishankar bilateral on sidelines India’s Chairmanship Theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” India to host BRICS Summit in September 2026 Source/Reference: https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/May/12/west-asia-divisions-loom-over-brics-foreign-ministers-meet-in-delhi IMD Launches AI-Powered Block-Level Monsoon Forecast Subject: Geography – Monsoon Forecasting; Science & Tech – AI in Weather; IMD; Block-level Forecasts. Why in News? IMD launched first AI-enabled block-level monsoon forecast on May 12, 2026 Covers 3,196 blocks across 15 states + 1 UT (rainfed regions) Key Features Forecast timeline: 4 weeks in advance (issued every Wednesday) Error margin: ~4 days Technology: Blends numerical weather prediction with AI and machine learning Developed with: IITM Pune and NCMRWF Purpose Enables farmers to time sowing precisely Shift from conventional to impact-based forecasting Uttar Pradesh Pilot Separate high-resolution system for UP 1 km resolution (downscaled from 12.5 km global models) Valid for 10 days Uses Doppler radars, satellites, automatic rain gauges 2026 Monsoon Context Below normal rainfall projected due to developing El Niño First half (June-July) stable; shortfall expected August-September Key Terms IMD: India Meteorological Department (est. 1875; under MoES) IITM Pune: Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology NCMRWF: National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting AgriStack: Digital platform for farmer services Rainfed regions: Areas dependent on rainfall (no irrigation) Source/Reference: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/imd-unveils-weather-model-to-provide-block-level-forecast-of-monsoon-journey/article70970694.ece Five Principles of India's Diplomacy Subject: International Relations – Indian Foreign Policy; Strategic Principles; Multilateral Diplomacy; Geopolitical Strategy. Why in News? Strategic affairs analyst outlined five principles of Indian diplomacy in the context of global turbulence (West Asia crisis, US-China rivalry, shifting multilateralism) The Five Principles Reciprocity Stand by trusted partners when they need you India maintains consistent support for allies on core issues (e.g., UAE’s support on Kashmir and cross-border terrorism) Expects reciprocal backing during times of threat Diversification Expand strategic engagement beyond traditional partners India’s outreach to Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia Smaller states possess capabilities relevant to economic, industrial, and technological modernisation Strategic Flexibility Pursue pragmatic interests without rigid ideological alignment India engages with both BRICS and Quad forums Avoids “vacuous ideological slogans” while securing national interests across competing power centres Strategic Expansion Deepen engagement with emerging regions, especially Africa Africa offers: youthful populations, expanding markets, and critical minerals essential for future global economy Domestic Renewal No diplomatic activism compensates for internal economic stagnation Rapid internal reform and economic reinvention are prerequisites for leveraging global opportunities Key Terms for Prelims Reciprocity: Mutual exchange of support between trusted partners Diversification: Broadening strategic engagement beyond traditional allies Strategic Flexibility: Pragmatic engagement with competing power centres without ideological rigidity BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa + new members Quad: Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (India, US, Japan, Australia) Static-Dynamic Linkage Static (International Relations Syllabus) Panchsheel (1954): Five principles of peaceful coexistence (mutual respect for territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, peaceful coexistence) Gujral Doctrine (1996-98): Unilateral goodwill towards neighbours without expecting reciprocity Dynamic (Current Affairs – May 2026) India’s balancing act: Engages both BRICS and Quad West Asia crisis (2026) testing reciprocity principle Africa outreach – strategic expansion under India’s G20 presidency legacy Domestic reform – economic growth as foundation of diplomatic influence Source/Reference: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/c-raja-mohan-writes-in-a-shifting-world-order-five-principles-should-guide-indias-diplomacy-10686420/ Cancer Immunotherapy May Alter Blood-Brain Barrier: Double-Edged Role Subject: Science & Tech – Cancer Immunotherapy; PD-1 Inhibitors; Blood-Brain Barrier; DKK1; Brain Metastases. Why in News? Study published in Cancer Discovery (May 2026) by Yuval Shaked’s team at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Found that PD-1 inhibitors (a class of cancer immunotherapy) can make the blood-brain barrier (BBB) more permeable This explains why some patients develop brain metastases during treatment and suggests new ways to improve drug delivery to the brain Key Findings How PD-1 Inhibitors Affect BBB Treatment prompts immune cells to produce a protein called DKK1 DKK1 disrupts cells that maintain blood vessel stability Results in weaker barrier proteins and increased immune cell entry into brain Leads to leaky BBB – observed only with anti-PD-1, not with other immune checkpoint inhibitors Double-Edged Role Positive Effect Negative Effect Allows chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cisplatin) to enter brain May allow circulating cancer cells to enter brain Improves drug delivery for brain metastases Increases risk of new brain metastases in resistant cancers Anti-PD-1 + cisplatin improved survival in mice Explains why some patients develop brain lesions during treatment Clinical Observations Biomarker Potential Higher levels of plasma DKK1 linked to greater brain metastases and shorter progression-free survival Could help identify patients at higher risk of developing brain metastases during treatment May explain increased contrast on MRI scans (not just “pseudoprogression” but actual BBB leakage) Implications for Treatment For resistant patients – BBB opening could be exploited to improve drug delivery to brain For responsive patients – risk of new metastases needs monitoring Combination of chemotherapy + immunotherapy already used in high-risk patients with brain metastases who test positive for immune biomarkers Findings need validation in larger human trials Key Terms for Prelims PD-1 Inhibitors: Type of immune checkpoint inhibitor cancer immunotherapy Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB): Tightly packed cells controlling passage from blood to brain tissue DKK1: Protein produced by immune cells after anti-PD-1 treatment; mediates BBB leakage Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs): Drugs that block signals preventing immune cells from attacking tumours Brain Metastases: Cancer that has spread to the brain from primary tumour elsewhere Pseudoprogression: Apparent tumour growth on imaging that is actually inflammation (not true progression) Discordant Responses: Different treatment outcomes in different parts of the body Source/Reference: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/cancer-immunotherapy-may-reshape-brains-barrier-to-metastasis/article70969178.ece Water Crisis in India: Structural Scarcity, Governance Gaps & Climate Pressures Subject: Geography – Water Resources; Economy – Blue Economy; Disaster Management – Drought; Schemes – Jal Jeevan Mission. Why in News? Since January 2026, over 600 million people have been affected by water shortages across states, driven by a combination of supply-side disruptions, pollution, and climate-induced rainfall variability. As of May 2026, parts of Maharashtra and Jharkhand are implementing strict water management measures to mitigate the emerging El Niño risk, which is forecasted to further weaken the summer monsoon. Scale and Magnitude of the Crisis India supports 18% of the world’s population but has access to only 4% of global freshwater resources. Key indicators reflect a deepening emergency: Water Stress: Over 600 million citizens live in “high to extreme” water stress conditions. About 342 million people lack access to safe drinking water, contributing to nearly 200,000 deaths annually. Per Capita Decline: Available water has dropped to roughly 1,100–1,400 cubic meters per year, well below the international water stress threshold of 1,700 m³. Quality Crisis: India ranks 120th out of 122 countries on the Global Water Quality Index. Approximately 70% of the water supply is contaminated by sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural chemicals. Major Urban Flashpoints (2026) Delhi: Severe Yamuna pollution raised ammonia levels, forcing shutdown of major water treatment plants and disrupting supply for over 2 lakh people. Maharashtra: Despite good reservoir storage, the state is enforcing water rationing and preparing for possible El Niño-driven drought conditions. Jharkhand: BJP protests in Dhanbad highlighted growing concerns over water scarcity, power cuts, and alleged failures in rural welfare schemes. Root Causes Groundwater Overuse: India extracts over 25% of global groundwater, with excessive agricultural use and several districts facing critical depletion. Structural Inefficiency: Nearly 40% of treated water is lost through leaks and poor governance, while fragmented state-level regulation weakens enforcement. Storage Deficit: Despite high annual rainfall, inadequate storage infrastructure limits India’s usable water capacity significantly. Government Initiatives (Reforms) Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Extended until 2028 to provide tap water to all rural homes; currently focuses on last-mile connectivity. Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY): Community-led groundwater management in over-exploited blocks. Namami Gange Programme: Aims to cleanse the Ganga basin through sewage treatment infrastructure. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Promoting drip/sprinkler irrigation (micro-irrigation) to save water. Composite Water Management Index (NITI Aayog): Benchmarking state performance to drive competition in water reforms. Key Terms for Prelims Composite Water Management Index: NITI Aayog’s tool ranking states on water governance Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign focusing on rainwater harvesting SGD 6: UN goal for clean water and sanitation (aligned with JJM) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Umbrella scheme for irrigation efficiency Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY): World Bank-funded groundwater management project Source/Reference: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/bmc-mumbai-10-percent-water-cut-may-15-lake-levels-el-nino-10684253/ (MAINS Focus) West Asia Crisis Opens Space for Fertiliser Policy Reform GS Paper III – Economy (Agriculture; Food Security) | GS Paper III – Environment Fertiliser Subsidy; Import Dependence; Nutrient Imbalance; Direct Income Support   Introduction PM Modi’s call to halve chemical fertiliser use may be impractical, but its core message—reducing overdependence and promoting balanced use—is valid. India relies heavily on imports for fertiliser inputs like natural gas, phosphate, potash, and sulphur, making it vulnerable to global disruptions such as the West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure. Years of subsidies have encouraged excessive urea and DAP use, damaging soil health. With supply and subsidy burdens rising, urgent fertiliser reforms are unavoidable.   Main Body India’s Fertiliser Vulnerability Limited Domestic Reserves: Very little natural gas (feedstock for urea). Hardly any rock phosphate (for DAP). No potash reserves; no elemental sulphur reserves. Heavy import dependence for all major fertilisers and raw materials. The Supply Shock: Unlike previous price shocks (2008, 2021-22), the current crisis is a supply shock. Availability itself is in question, not just price. The Strait of Hormuz closure has disrupted up to 30% of global fertiliser trade. The Subsidy Regime: Encouraging Overuse and Imbalance Historical Shift: Farmers initially used ammonium sulphate (20.5% N, 23% S) and single super phosphate (16% P, 11% S). These gave way to urea (46% N) and DAP (46% P). Newer products have high nutrient content but lack other macro or micronutrients. Low Nutrient Use Efficiency: Only one-third of nitrogen in urea is absorbed by plants. Rest lost through volatilisation (as ammonia gas) or leaching underground. Farmers need products that deliver nutrients more efficiently. Soil Damage: Overuse of urea and DAP has caused severe soil nutrient imbalances. Deficiency of sulphur, zinc, and other micronutrients is widespread. Organic matter content in soils has declined. Why the Current System Fails How It Works: Government fixes retail prices; subsidy is difference between import parity and retail price. Subsidy bill is open-ended (depends on global prices and import volumes). Why It Fails During Supply Shock: Subsidies boost demand (farmers pay less, use more). But supply is constrained (imports blocked). Result: shortages, black markets, diversion. Fiscal Unsustainability: Subsidy bill already huge (over ₹1.5 lakh crore annually). During supply shock, either subsidies skyrocket or shortages worsen. The Reform Proposal: Direct Income Support The Proposal: Free or raise retail fertiliser prices to import parity levels. Replace product-wise subsidy with a per-acre payment (e.g., ₹5,000 per acre) for all cultivating farmers. Redirect money from fertiliser subsidy savings and PM-Kisan into direct income support. How It Would Work: Farmers receive cash transfer per acre. Farmers then buy fertilisers (or other inputs) at market prices. Choice of input mix left to farmer (not distorted by subsidised prices). Advantages: Removes price distortion (no more urea overuse because it’s cheap). Encourages balanced nutrient use. Reduces fiscal burden (capped per-acre payment, not open-ended subsidy). Farmers get cash for seeds, water, labour, or fertilisers as needed. Addressing Concerns: Small farmers benefit proportionally more (same per-acre amount). PM-Kisan database already exists (over 10 crore farmers). Transition period can ease adjustment. Complementary Reforms Promote complex fertilisers (NPK with micronutrients) through market prices. Promote bio-fertilisers and organic manure. Strengthen soil health card scheme for crop-specific recommendations. Promote neem-coated urea and fertigation for better efficiency. Expand domestic natural gas-based urea production (new plants). The Political Economy of Reform Why Reform Has Been Delayed: Fertiliser subsidy is politically sensitive (farmers vote). Industry lobby benefits from product-wise subsidy. Bureaucratic inertia. Why Reform Is Now Possible: Supply shock makes existing system unworkable (cannot subsidise what is not available). West Asia crisis provides political cover for hard choices. PM-Kisan exists as delivery mechanism. The Window of Opportunity: “When product availability is itself a problem, how much can one subsidise?” The crisis has made the present system unsustainable both fiscally and physically. Reform cannot wait any longer.   Conclusion India’s heavy dependence on imported fertiliser inputs is exposed by the West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruption. Decades of subsidies have promoted excessive urea and DAP use, worsening soil imbalances and fiscal burdens, while urea efficiency remains low.  The proposed reform is to reduce product-based subsidies, align prices closer to market levels, and provide direct per-acre income support to farmers using savings from fertiliser subsidies and PM-Kisan. The current crisis highlights the urgency of long-pending fertiliser reforms.   UPSC Mains Practice Question The West Asia crisis has exposed the weaknesses of India’s fertiliser subsidy regime. Examine its key vulnerabilities and suggest reforms for balancing farmer welfare with fiscal sustainability. (250 words, 15 marks)   https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/west-asia-crisis-opens-space-for-fertiliser-policy-reform-10686471/ How BRICS Can Provide Mortar for a New World Order GS Paper II – International Relations (Bilateral & Regional Groupings) BRICS; Global South; Multipolarity; De-dollarisation; India’s Foreign Policy   Introduction India’s foreign policy stands at a strategic crossroads: it is both a key Quad partner aligned with the West and the 2026 BRICS president representing the Global South. Rising tensions—seen in trade disputes, missed joint statements, and differences over global financial reforms—highlight the limits of simple “multi-alignment.” The real challenge for India is whether it can balance these competing roles while emerging as a credible leader of a divided Global South.   Main Body The Genesis of BRICS: From Acronym to Institution The Conceptual Birth (2001): Jim O’Neill of Goldman Sachs published ‘Building Better Global Economic BRICs’. Argued that G7 structure failed to account for tectonic shifts in global productivity. In purchasing power parity terms, Brazil, Russia, India, and China accounted for almost a quarter of global GDP. O’Neill’s Prediction on India: He predicted India might be the “least eager” to join a formal club. New Delhi might view collective obligations as an unwelcome constraint on its domestic policy or independent advice. The Political Birth (2006): September 2006 on the sidelines of UN General Assembly. India represented by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee (standing in for PM Manmohan Singh). The joint statement asserted that “economic weight must equal political power”. India’s Nuanced Approach: Complementary, Not Confrontational The Middle Path: While Brazil and China wanted a counter-hegemonic force, India stressed BRICS was “complementary” to existing structures. Not envisaged as a replacement for Western-led institutions. The Shift After 2008 Financial Crisis: The ‘Great Recession’ exposed the fragility of Western financial dominance. At the first formal summit in Yekaterinburg (June 2009), PM Manmohan Singh advocated a multipolar vision. He remarked that the crisis had shown existing governance structures needed reform to ensure the developing world’s voice was heard. BRICS Today: Expansion and Institutional Heft Membership Expansion: Four nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China) became five (South Africa added in 2010). 2024: Massive expansion added Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. 2025: Indonesia added as full member; partner country status for 10 others (Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.). BRICS now controls a staggering share of world’s energy resources and maritime trade routes. Key Institutions: New Development Bank (NDB): Approved infrastructure projects worth about $43 billion; provides alternative to IMF’s often-stringent conditions. Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA): $100 billion safety net for balance-of-payments crises. BRICS Pay (2026): Facilitates trade in local currencies, bypassing US dollar and SWIFT network. Other initiatives: Remote-sensing satellite data sharing, vaccine R&D centre, BRICS Startup Forum. The Kazan Declaration (2024): Bloc committed itself to “a just and democratic world order”. No longer positioned as an add-on to G7. US Resistance: Trump’s Economic Warfare Escalating Threats: July 2025: Trump dismissed BRICS as “fading out”. October 2025: Shifted to explicit economic warfare, declaring BRICS an “attack on the dollar”. Threatened 100% tariffs on any nation moving away from the dollar. Limitations of US Approach: US Supreme Court intervened to limit executive overreach on tariffs. Attempt to isolate Iran backfired (Iran demonstrated economic and military resilience). American public showed little appetite for another conflict. India’s BRICS Presidency (2026): Challenges and Fissures Low-Key Presidency: Unlike the over ₹4,000 crore spent on the G20 carnival (2023), the BRICS presidency has been low-key. Follows a strong Brazilian presidency. Rio de Janeiro Declaration (July 2025): Unanimously condemned US and Israeli attack on Iran. Warned that unilateral actions dismantle the foundations of international law. Current Challenges: Deputy foreign ministers’ meeting on West Asia and North Africa (April 23-24) ended without a joint statement. Iran and UAE reportedly at loggerheads. India tried to soften language (removing references to East Jerusalem as Palestinian capital, using “occupying power” for Israel). Iran wanted a stronger stance. The Risk: If differences are not bridged at the foreign ministers’ meeting, the September summit may prove difficult. India may have to choose a direction: remain with the South (as tradition) or align more closely with the West. Otherwise, things can fall between two stools. The Way Forward: India’s Strategic Choices The Dual Identity Test: India cannot indefinitely straddle both camps without facing consequences. As BRICS president, India must champion Global South causes (reform of global financial architecture, de-dollarisation, sovereign decision-making). As Quad partner, India must maintain strategic ties with the US, Japan, and Australia. Possible Paths: Continued multi-alignment: Manage frictions issue by issue; risk being trusted by neither side. Lean towards the South: Prioritise BRICS and Global South leadership; accept US tariff and diplomatic consequences. Lean towards the West: Prioritise Quad and Western alliance; risk losing credibility as Global South champion. The Stakes: BRICS now represents a significant share of global GDP, population, energy resources, and trade routes. The bloc’s 2024 Kazan Declaration committed to “a just and democratic world order”. India’s presidency will determine whether BRICS becomes a cohesive counterweight to G7 or remains a fractured coalition. Conclusion BRICS has transformed into a major voice of the Global South, expanding its membership and strengthening institutions like the New Development Bank and BRICS Pay. Yet India’s 2026 presidency faces challenges, including internal divisions over West Asia and balancing BRICS commitments with its Quad partnership. India now confronts a strategic choice: deepen leadership of the Global South or move closer to the West, as its handling of upcoming BRICS meetings will shape both its global role and BRICS’ future relevance.   UPSC Mains Practice Question India’s simultaneous role in the Quad and BRICS highlights its strategic balancing challenge. Examine the internal divisions within BRICS and assess whether the grouping can emerge as a credible alternative to G7-led global governance. (250 words, 15 marks)   https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinion/2026/May/11/how-brics-can-provide-mortar-for-a-new-world-order  

The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here