Daily Current Affairs Challenge – 14 August 2026 | Rani Gaidinliu, LEO Satellites, Ganga River Dolphin, Black Sea & Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards. Test your APSC CCE and UPSC Current Affairs preparation with the Daily Current Affairs Challenge – 14 August 2026.
Question 1: Rani Gaidinliu – Freedom Struggle, Rongmei Nagas and Padma Bhushan
Consider the following statements in the context of Rani Gaidinliu and her role in India’s freedom struggle:
- She belonged to the Rongmei tribe of the Nagas and joined the freedom movement at a young age.
- Jawaharlal Nehru gave her the title of “Rani” in 1937.
- She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in recognition of her contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
All three statements are correct.
Rani Gaidinliu was one of the most prominent tribal freedom fighters from Northeast India. She belonged to the Rongmei Naga community and entered the anti-colonial movement at a very young age.
She became associated with the movement led by Haipou Jadonang, which combined resistance to British rule with socio-religious reform among the Zeliangrong Nagas.
The Government of India records that Gaidinliu joined Jadonang’s movement when she was only 13 years old and later assumed leadership of the movement following his execution.
She was:
- Arrested by the British in 1932
- Imprisoned for around 14 years
- Released after India’s independence in 1947
- Awarded the Tamrapatra in 1972
- Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1982
Key Facts for APSC
- Born: 26 January 1915
- Birthplace: Luangkao village, present-day Manipur
- Community: Rongmei Naga
- Associated leader: Haipou Jadonang
- Arrested: 1932
- Released: 1947
- Padma Bhushan: 1982
The Government of India also issued a commemorative stamp in her honour and released ₹100 and ₹5 coins during her birth-centenary commemorations in 2015.
APSC Prelims Alert: Rani Gaidinliu is particularly important when studying tribal movements and the freedom struggle in Northeast India.
Question 2: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites and Sun-Synchronous Orbits
Consider the following statements regarding Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites:
- LEO satellites generally complete one revolution around the Earth in about 90 minutes to 2 hours because of their high orbital speed.
- LEO satellites are restricted to equatorial orbits, unlike satellites in higher orbits.
- Sun-synchronous orbits are particularly useful for Earth observation as they provide relatively consistent lighting conditions over observed locations.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: B — 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Statements 1 and 3 are correct, while Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is Correct
Satellites in Low Earth Orbit travel at high orbital velocities and generally complete an orbit around the Earth in approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours.
This means that many LEO satellites can circle the Earth approximately 14–16 times in a day.
For example, ISRO’s Resourcesat-2 operates in a circular polar sun-synchronous orbit with an orbital period of about 101.35 minutes, completing about 14 orbits per day.
Statement 2 is Incorrect
LEO satellites are not restricted to equatorial orbits.
They can operate in:
- Equatorial orbits
- Inclined orbits
- Polar orbits
- Sun-synchronous polar orbits
A polar or near-polar orbit allows a satellite to observe large portions of the Earth’s surface as the planet rotates underneath it.
Statement 3 is Correct
A Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) enables a satellite to pass over a particular area at approximately the same local solar time during successive passes.
The relatively consistent illumination makes such orbits particularly useful for:
- Earth observation
- Remote sensing
- Mapping
- Environmental monitoring
- Agricultural studies
- Disaster management
- Climate studies
ISRO uses Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits extensively for its Earth-observation missions, including the Cartosat and Resourcesat series.
LEO vs GEO: Quick Revision
Low Earth Orbit
- Much closer to Earth
- Short orbital period
- Used widely for Earth observation, remote sensing and satellite constellations
Geostationary Orbit
- Located much farther from Earth
- Satellite appears stationary relative to a point on the equator
- Particularly useful for communication and continuous weather observation
Key Facts for APSC & UPSC
- LEO: Low Earth Orbit
- Orbital period: roughly 90 minutes–2 hours
- LEO does not mean equatorial orbit
- SSO: Sun-Synchronous Orbit
- SSO is especially useful for Earth observation and remote sensing
Question 3: Ganga River Dolphin – Echolocation, IUCN Status and Wildlife Protection
Consider the following statements regarding the Ganga River Dolphin:
- The Ganga River Dolphin is a freshwater species that relies on ultrasonic echolocation for navigation and locating prey.
- It is classified as Endangered by the IUCN and is included in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Both statements are correct.
The Ganga River Dolphin is a freshwater cetacean found in the river systems of the Indian subcontinent.
Statement 1 is Correct
The species is effectively functionally blind and depends heavily on echolocation.
It emits ultrasonic sounds and interprets the returning echoes to:
- Navigate through river channels
- Locate prey
- Detect underwater obstacles
This adaptation is particularly useful in the turbid waters of large rivers, where underwater visibility is poor.
Statement 2 is Correct
The Ganga River Dolphin is classified as Endangered and receives a high degree of legal protection in India under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The species is also recognised as India’s National Aquatic Animal.
Why is the Ganga River Dolphin Important for Assam?
For APSC aspirants, the species has a strong Assam connection because river dolphins are also found in the Brahmaputra river system.
This makes the species relevant to topics such as:
- Biodiversity of Assam
- Brahmaputra river ecology
- Aquatic ecosystems
- Threatened species
- River conservation
Major Threats
The major pressures on river dolphin populations include:
- Habitat fragmentation
- Entanglement in fishing gear
- River pollution
- Alteration of river flows
- Accidental mortality
- Disturbance of aquatic habitats
Key Facts for APSC & UPSC
- Scientific name: Platanista gangetica
- Habitat: Freshwater rivers
- Navigation: Echolocation
- IUCN status: Endangered
- India: National Aquatic Animal
- Important river systems include the Ganga-Brahmaputra river network
Question 4: Black Sea – Bosphorus Strait, Dardanelles and Major Rivers
Consider the following statements regarding the Black Sea:
- The Black Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
- The Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, while the Dardanelles Strait provides the connection between the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea.
- The Danube, Dnieper and Dniester are among the major rivers that flow into the Black Sea.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
All three statements are correct.
The Black Sea lies between Eastern Europe and Western Asia and occupies an important position in regional physical and geopolitical geography.
Countries Bordering the Black Sea
The Black Sea is bordered by six countries:
- Türkiye
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Georgia
Black Sea–Mediterranean Connection
The sequence is especially important for map-based questions:
Black Sea → Bosphorus Strait → Sea of Marmara → Dardanelles Strait → Aegean Sea → Mediterranean Sea
The Bosphorus and Dardanelles, along with the Sea of Marmara, form the strategically important Turkish Straits system.
Major Rivers Flowing into the Black Sea
Important rivers include:
- Danube
- Dnieper
- Dniester
These river systems contribute freshwater and sediments to the Black Sea.
Prelims Map Practice
For APSC and UPSC, locate the following together on a map:
- Black Sea
- Sea of Azov
- Bosphorus
- Sea of Marmara
- Dardanelles
- Aegean Sea
- Türkiye
- Danube River
Key Facts for APSC & UPSC
Remember the sequence:
Bosphorus = Black Sea → Sea of Marmara
Dardanelles = Sea of Marmara → Aegean Sea
This distinction is frequently useful in map-based geography and international-relations questions.
Question 5: Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2024–25 – Awardees from Assam
Which of the following pairs of Assamese artistes and their respective Sangeet Natak Akademi Award categoriesis/are correctly matched?
- Prema Ozah Borbayan — Sattriya Dance — 2024
- Mallika Kandali — Sattriya Dance — 2025
- Bhaskar Jyoti Ojah — Music for Dance (Sattriya) — 2025
- Chetana Das — Theatre (Acting) — 2025
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: D — 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
All four pairs are correctly matched.
The official Ministry of Culture list confirms:
- Prema Ozah Borbayan — Sattriya — 2024
- Mallika Kandali — Sattriya — 2025
- Bhaskar Jyoti Ojah — Music for Dance–Sattriya — 2025
- Chetana Das — Acting — 2025
The awards are especially important for APSC because they highlight Assam’s contribution to India’s classical dance, performing arts and theatre traditions.
Why are the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards in News?
President Droupadi Murmu presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for 2024 and 2025 in New Delhi on 13 August 2026.
Five Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardees from Assam: Quick Revision
For complete Assam-specific preparation, remember the fifth awardee as well:
2024
- Prema Ozah Borbayan — Sattriya
- Bipul Chandra Das — Kathak
2025
- Mallika Kandali — Sattriya
- Bhaskar Jyoti Ojah — Music for Dance–Sattriya
- Chetana Das — Acting
The official award list records Bipul Chandra Das under Kathak and Prema Ozah Borbayan under Sattriya for 2024.
What is the Sangeet Natak Akademi?
The Sangeet Natak Akademi is India’s national academy for the performing arts, covering areas such as:
- Music
- Dance
- Theatre
- Folk and tribal performing traditions
- Allied performing arts
APSC Assam Culture Link
The award is especially significant in the context of Sattriya, one of India’s classical dance traditions with deep roots in Assam’s Neo-Vaishnavite and Sattra tradition.
Key Facts for APSC
Remember these three 2025 Assam names together:
Mallika Kandali — Sattriya
Bhaskar Jyoti Ojah — Music for Dance (Sattriya)
Chetana Das — Acting
Follow the Lucent IAS Daily Current Affairs Challenge regularly for exam-oriented MCQs, explanations and revision points relevant to APSC CCE and UPSC preparation.
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