With the UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 approaching in a few months, focusing on current affairs is essential for candidates. The UPSC Weekly Quiz is designed to test knowledge on significant events from the preceding week, specifically tailored for those preparing for competitive exams. Participants are encouraged to take the quiz every Saturday, where they can access comprehensive answers and explanations for the multiple-choice questions.

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Regarding the history of the Chagos Islands, evaluate the following statements:

1. In 2009, the International Court of Justice provided an advisory opinion stating that the UK should transfer the islands to Mauritius “as soon as possible.”
2. In 2015, the UK and Mauritius initiated discussions to negotiate the sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago.
3. In 2025, the UK formalized an agreement to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

How many of the statements above are accurate?

Why is this question pertinent for the UPSC Prelims 2026?

The conflict surrounding the Chagos Archipelago is crucial for understanding decolonization, international maritime law, and geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region. It is relevant to the UPSC Prelims due to its impact on global diplomacy, strategic interests, and India’s relations with Mauritius.

The Chagos Archipelago consists of 58 islands located approximately 500 kilometers south of the Maldives and around 2,000 kilometers northeast of Mauritius. These islands remained uninhabited until the late 18th century when the French introduced enslaved labor from Africa and India for coconut plantations. In 1814, the islands were ceded to British control.

Since the 1980s, Mauritius has asserted its claims over the islands, engaging with international courts. In 2019, the International Court of Justice declared that the UK should return the islands “as soon as possible,” making the first statement incorrect.

In 2022, the UK and Mauritius entered negotiations regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago, influenced by concerns that inaction might drive Mauritius closer to China, which has expanded its presence in Africa. Thus, the second statement is also incorrect.

In October 2024, the UK government revealed plans to return the islands, culminating in a formal agreement signed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in May 2025, transferring sovereignty to Mauritius. Therefore, the third statement is correct.

The agreement stipulates that Diego Garcia will be leased back to the UK for 99 years at an annual cost of £101 million. The UK government asserts that this treaty will ensure the future viability of the military base, with the US covering the operational expenses.

Consequently, the correct answer is option (a).

Which Union Territories (UTs) in India have a legislative assembly and a chief minister?

3. Andaman and Nicobar

Select the correct answer using the codes provided below:

(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

Why is this question relevant for UPSC Prelims 2026?

Understanding which Union Territories have legislative assemblies is essential for comprehending India’s constitutional and administrative framework. This topic holds significant importance for the UPSC Prelims as it assesses knowledge of constitutional provisions and the federal structure, prompting aspirants to also review the Delimitation Commission’s role.

Election processes for the Legislative Assemblies of Kerala, Assam, and the UT of Puducherry began on April 9. Puducherry is among the three UTs in India with a legislative assembly and a chief minister, along with Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, along with Ladakh, are governed directly by the President of India through appointed Lieutenant Governors (LGs).

Therefore, the correct answer is option (d).

What are the advantages of Oak forests?

1. They contribute to watershed protection by enhancing the recharge of springs.
2. They support a variety of lichens, bryophytes, and other flowering plants, creating diverse microhabitats.
3. They are utilized as fuel wood and fodder by local communities.

Select the correct answer using the codes provided below:

Why is this question important for UPSC Prelims 2026?

Oak forests in the Indian Himalayan Region play a vital role in biodiversity conservation. It’s beneficial for aspirants to familiarize themselves with other forest ecosystems in India, as questions related to forests are pertinent for the UPSC Prelims due to their link to conservation efforts, forest classifications, and government initiatives aimed at ecological restoration.

The oak tree, belonging to the Quercus genus in the Fagaceae family, holds significant social and ecological value in the Indian Himalayan areas. Five oak species have been identified in the western Himalayas, offering numerous ecosystem services, including soil and water conservation, supporting native flora and fauna, and serving as a resource for local communities.

Oak forests contribute to watershed protection by facilitating the recharge of springs, confirming the accuracy of the first statement.

These forests host a rich diversity of life forms, including lichens, bryophytes, pteridophytes, orchids, and various flowering plants, resulting in complex microhabitats, thus validating the second statement.

Additionally, these ecosystems are home to a wide array of wildlife, including birds and mammals such as jays, Himalayan langurs, red giant flying squirrels, and Asiatic black bears, which rely on oak leaves and acorns, storing them for times of scarcity. The forests are also abundant with snails, slugs, millipedes, woodlice, insects, and countless microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, making oak forests crucial for biodiversity at multiple levels.

In Uttarakhand, oak is collected as fuel wood and fodder by local residents adjacent to their settlements.