Test your APSC CCE and UPSC Current Affairs preparation with the Daily Current Affairs Challenge – 13 August 2026.
Today’s questions cover five important areas: the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), Kaziranga National Park, Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs), India’s PRAHAAR National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy, and the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS).
Each MCQ is followed by the correct answer, detailed explanation and exam-focused key facts, helping aspirants connect current developments with important static portions of the APSC and UPSC syllabus.
Question 2: Kaziranga National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brahmaputra Floodplain and Migratory Birds
Consider the following statements regarding Kaziranga National Park:
- Kaziranga is located in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain and is characterised by wet alluvial tall grasslands maintained by annual flooding and burning.
- The park lies at the juncture of the Australasia and Indo-Asian flyways, making its wetlands important for migratory birds.
- Kaziranga was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1974 following its designation as a National Park.
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: A — 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is Correct
Kaziranga National Park represents one of the largest undisturbed representative areas of the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain ecosystem.
According to UNESCO, its landscape consists of:
- Wet alluvial tall grasslands
- Numerous shallow pools and wetlands
- Reed beds
- Deciduous and semi-evergreen woodlands
The wet alluvial grasslands occupy nearly two-thirds of the World Heritage property and are maintained by the dynamic ecological processes of annual flooding and burning.
The Brahmaputra’s changing river system continually produces:
- Riverbank erosion
- Sedimentation
- New landforms
- New water bodies
- Succession between grassland and woodland
These processes are central to Kaziranga’s ecological character.
Statement 2 is Correct
UNESCO identifies Kaziranga as being located at the junction of the Australasia and Indo-Asian flyways.
Consequently, its wetlands play an important role in the conservation of globally threatened migratory bird species.
The Assam Forest Department also highlights the presence of large numbers of local and migratory birds in Kaziranga’s wetlands.
Statement 3 is Incorrect
The two important dates should not be confused:
- Kaziranga notified as a National Park: 11 February 1974
- Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1985
The Assam Forest Department records the National Park notification date as 11 February 1974, while UNESCO records 1985 as its year of inscription on the World Heritage List.
Therefore, the claim that Kaziranga became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1974 is incorrect.
Why is Kaziranga Globally Important?
Kaziranga is particularly significant because of its:
- Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros
- Tiger population
- Asian elephants
- Wild water buffalo
- Eastern swamp deer
- Migratory birds
- Ganges River dolphin
- Dynamic Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem
UNESCO inscribed Kaziranga under Natural Criteria (ix) and (x).
Key Facts for APSC
- State: Assam
- National Park notification: 1974
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1985
- UNESCO Criteria: (ix) and (x)
- Major ecosystem: Brahmaputra Valley floodplain
- Flagship species: Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros
- Tiger Reserve: Since 2007
- Important for migratory birds
- Located at the junction of the Australasia and Indo-Asian flyways
APSC Prelims Alert: Remember the sequence — National Park: 1974 → UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1985.
Question 2: Kaziranga National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brahmaputra Floodplain and Migratory Birds
Consider the following statements regarding Kaziranga National Park:
- Kaziranga is located in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain and is characterised by wet alluvial tall grasslands maintained by annual flooding and burning.
- The park lies at the juncture of the Australasia and Indo-Asian flyways, making its wetlands important for migratory birds.
- Kaziranga was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1974 following its designation as a National Park.
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: A — 1 and 2 only
Explanation
Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is Correct
Kaziranga National Park represents one of the largest undisturbed representative areas of the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain ecosystem.
According to UNESCO, its landscape consists of:
- Wet alluvial tall grasslands
- Numerous shallow pools and wetlands
- Reed beds
- Deciduous and semi-evergreen woodlands
The wet alluvial grasslands occupy nearly two-thirds of the World Heritage property and are maintained by the dynamic ecological processes of annual flooding and burning.
The Brahmaputra’s changing river system continually produces:
- Riverbank erosion
- Sedimentation
- New landforms
- New water bodies
- Succession between grassland and woodland
These processes are central to Kaziranga’s ecological character.
Statement 2 is Correct
UNESCO identifies Kaziranga as being located at the junction of the Australasia and Indo-Asian flyways.
Consequently, its wetlands play an important role in the conservation of globally threatened migratory bird species.
The Assam Forest Department also highlights the presence of large numbers of local and migratory birds in Kaziranga’s wetlands.
Statement 3 is Incorrect
The two important dates should not be confused:
- Kaziranga notified as a National Park: 11 February 1974
- Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1985
The Assam Forest Department records the National Park notification date as 11 February 1974, while UNESCO records 1985 as its year of inscription on the World Heritage List.
Therefore, the claim that Kaziranga became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1974 is incorrect.
Why is Kaziranga Globally Important?
Kaziranga is particularly significant because of its:
- Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros
- Tiger population
- Asian elephants
- Wild water buffalo
- Eastern swamp deer
- Migratory birds
- Ganges River dolphin
- Dynamic Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem
UNESCO inscribed Kaziranga under Natural Criteria (ix) and (x).
Key Facts for APSC
- State: Assam
- National Park notification: 1974
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1985
- UNESCO Criteria: (ix) and (x)
- Major ecosystem: Brahmaputra Valley floodplain
- Flagship species: Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros
- Tiger Reserve: Since 2007
- Important for migratory birds
- Located at the junction of the Australasia and Indo-Asian flyways
APSC Prelims Alert: Remember the sequence — National Park: 1974 → UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1985.
Question 3: Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) – 10-km Principle, Mining and Protected Areas
Consider the following statements regarding Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs):
- ESZs are notified under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to act as a buffer around protected areas.
- The 10-km distance from the boundary of a National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary is an absolute and mandatory limit beyond which an ESZ cannot be notified.
- Commercial mining and industries causing pollution are generally treated as prohibited activities within ESZs.
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.
What are Eco-Sensitive Zones?
Eco-Sensitive Zones or ESZs are areas identified around environmentally significant and protected landscapes where certain activities are prohibited, restricted or regulated to minimise ecological damage.
They act broadly as a transition or shock-absorber zone between highly protected ecosystems and areas where relatively intensive human activity takes place.
Statement 1 is Correct
ESZ notifications are issued by the Central Government under powers flowing from the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the rules framed under it.
The objective is to regulate activities that can adversely affect the ecological integrity of protected landscapes.
Statement 2 is Incorrect
The commonly discussed 10-km principle is not an absolute outer limit applicable uniformly to every protected area.
The actual extent of an ESZ may differ depending upon:
- Ecological characteristics
- Geography and terrain
- Wildlife corridors
- Biodiversity values
- Human settlements
- Other site-specific considerations
Indeed, notified ESZs can have considerably different widths. For example, official notifications have prescribed zones smaller than 10 km in some places, while other protected landscapes have ESZs extending beyond 10 km in particular directions.
Statement 3 is Correct
Activities with significant adverse ecological impacts are generally placed under the prohibited category.
These commonly include activities such as:
- Commercial mining
- Stone quarrying
- Crushing units
- Highly polluting industries
Official ESZ notifications explicitly list commercial mining, stone quarrying and crushing units among prohibited activities.
Activities in ESZs: Prelims Concept
Activities within an ESZ are generally placed into three categories:
1. Prohibited Activities
- Activities posing serious ecological threats
2. Regulated Activities
- Activities allowed subject to safeguards or prescribed conditions
3. Permissible/Promoted Activities
- Environmentally sustainable activities compatible with conservation objectives
Key Facts for APSC & UPSC
- ESZ: Eco-Sensitive Zone
- Key legislation: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Located around environmentally sensitive/protected areas
- Purpose: Provide an additional layer of ecological protection
- 10 km is not an absolute universal boundary
- Commercial mining and highly polluting activities are generally prohibited
Question 4: PRAHAAR – India’s National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy
Consider the following statements regarding PRAHAAR, India’s National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy:
- It adopts a seven-pillar strategy based on prevention, response, whole-of-government coordination, rule of law and human rights, counter-radicalization, international cooperation, and recovery and resilience.
- The strategy seeks to shift India from a reactive to a proactive counter-terrorism approach, including real-time intelligence sharing through the Multi Agency Centre (MAC).
- The strategy adopts a whole-of-government approach while excluding community participation from counter-radicalization and resilience-building measures.
Which of the statements given above is not correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 3 only
D. 1 and 3 only
Correct Answer: C — Statement 3 only
Explanation
Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while Statement 3 is incorrect.
India’s National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy — PRAHAAR sets out a comprehensive framework for preventing, responding to and recovering from terrorist threats.
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ policy document sets out seven major components of the counter-terrorism strategy.
The Seven Pillars of PRAHAAR
- Prevention of terror attacks
- Responses
- Aggregating capacities through a whole-of-government approach
- Human rights and Rule of Law-based processes
- Attenuating conditions conducive to terrorism, including radicalisation
- Aligning and shaping international efforts
- Recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach
Statement 2 is Correct: Proactive and Intelligence-Guided Approach
PRAHAAR explicitly states that India follows a pro-active approach to prevent and counter terrorist threats.
The strategy is described as primarily intelligence-guided, with importance given to timely intelligence gathering and dissemination.
The Multi Agency Centre (MAC), together with the Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) in the Intelligence Bureau, functions as a platform for efficient and real-time sharing of counter-terrorism-related intelligence inputs across the country.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: PRAHAAR Includes Society and Communities
PRAHAAR does not exclude communities.
Instead, it explicitly adopts a whole-of-society approach.
The strategy recognises roles for:
- Civil society
- NGOs
- Religious leaders
- Community leaders
- Doctors
- Psychologists
- Lawyers
- Private-sector stakeholders
in counter-radicalisation, reintegration, recovery and resilience-building.
Community and religious leaders, moderate preachers and NGOs are also envisaged as participants in efforts to counter radicalisation and extremist violence.
PRAHAAR: Important Security Institutions to Remember
MAC — Multi Agency Centre
- Facilitates intelligence sharing among agencies
- Located within the Intelligence Bureau framework
JTFI — Joint Task Force on Intelligence
- Works alongside MAC in intelligence coordination
NSG — National Security Guard
- National specialised counter-terror force under the Ministry of Home Affairs
NIA — National Investigation Agency
- Major national agency for investigation of terrorism-related offences
Key Facts for APSC & UPSC
- PRAHAAR: India’s National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs
- Approach: Proactive and intelligence-guided
- Strategic framework: Seven pillars
- Intelligence-sharing platform: MAC
- Governance approach: Whole-of-government
- Wider resilience approach: Whole-of-society
- Gives importance to Rule of Law and human rights
- Recognises international cooperation as essential against transnational terrorism
UPSC/APSC Mains Link: PRAHAAR is particularly relevant for Internal Security, counter-terrorism, radicalisation, intelligence coordination and the role of civil society in national security.
Question 5: CPGRAMS – 24×7 Public Grievance Portal, Tracking and Appeal Facility
Which of the following statements regarding the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) is correct?
A. Citizens can track the status of their grievances using a unique registration ID and can also file an appeal if dissatisfied with the resolution.
B. It is a single portal connected only to the Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, with no integration with State Governments.
C. It is a platform available only during working hours for lodging grievances related to Central Government departments.
D. CPGRAMS does not provide mobile-based access and can be used only through its official web portal.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
Option A is correct.
CPGRAMS stands for Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System.
It is an online platform that enables citizens to lodge grievances relating to the delivery of public services.
According to the official CPGRAMS portal, the platform is available to citizens 24×7.
How Does CPGRAMS Work?
When a citizen lodges a grievance:
- A unique registration ID is generated.
- The citizen can use this ID to track the grievance.
- The grievance is routed to the concerned public authority.
- After resolution, the citizen can provide feedback.
- If dissatisfied with the resolution, an appeal facility is available in eligible cases.
The official portal specifically confirms both grievance tracking using a unique registration ID and the availability of an appeal mechanism.
Why are the Other Options Incorrect?
Option B is incorrect:
CPGRAMS is connected not merely to Central Government Ministries and Departments but also to States.
Option C is incorrect:
CPGRAMS is a 24×7 online grievance redressal platform, not a system restricted to government working hours.
Option D is incorrect:
CPGRAMS is accessible through:
- Its web portal
- A standalone mobile application
- Integration with UMANG
What Issues are Generally Not Taken Up Through CPGRAMS?
The official portal identifies certain matters that are outside its grievance-redress mechanism, including:
- RTI matters
- Court-related or sub judice matters
- Religious matters
- Certain service grievances of government employees where prescribed departmental channels have not been exhausted
CPGRAMS and Good Governance
CPGRAMS is significant from the governance perspective because it strengthens:
- Citizen-centric administration
- Government accountability
- Transparency
- Time-bound grievance redress
- Digital delivery of public services
- Feedback-based governance
Key Facts for APSC & UPSC
Broad theme: Digital governance and citizen-centric administration
Full form: Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System
Availability: 24×7
Grievance tracking: Unique registration ID
Appeal facility: Available
Coverage: Central Government + States
Mobile access: Available
Integrated with: UMANG
Quick Revision: 13 August 2026 Current Affairs
Revise these five high-value facts before completing today’s Current Affairs Challenge:
- JPC: An ad hoc parliamentary committee consisting of members from both Houses; its recommendations are not legally binding.
- Kaziranga: National Park since 1974 and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
- Eco-Sensitive Zones: The often-cited 10-km principle is not an absolute universal outer limit.
- PRAHAAR: India’s seven-pillar National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy, combining whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches.
- CPGRAMS: A 24×7 grievance-redress platform providing grievance tracking and an appeal facility.
Why These Topics Matter for APSC CCE
Today’s questions cover several high-yield areas of the APSC CCE syllabus:
Indian Polity & Governance
- Parliamentary Committees
- JPC
- Citizen grievance-redress mechanisms
- Digital governance
Environment & Assam
- Kaziranga National Park
- Brahmaputra floodplain ecosystem
- Eco-Sensitive Zones
- Protected-area governance
Internal Security
- Counter-terrorism
- Intelligence coordination
- Multi Agency Centre
- Radicalisation
- Whole-of-society approach
For effective APSC preparation, aspirants should not restrict current affairs study to memorising events. Focus on the institutions, laws, constitutional concepts, environmental mechanisms and static concepts associated with each development.
Follow the Lucent IAS Daily Current Affairs Challenge regularly for exam-oriented MCQs, explanations and revision points for APSC CCE and UPSC preparation.
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