Practice the Daily UPSC Quiz by Vajiram & Ravi to increase your current affairs and concept clarity. Ideal for UPSC Prelims and Mains 2025 preparation. Stay updated, revise smarter, and track your progress.
The Daily UPSC Quiz by Vajiram & Ravi is a thoughtfully curated initiative designed to support UPSC aspirants in strengthening their current affairs knowledge and core conceptual understanding. Aligned with the UPSC Syllabus 2025, this daily quiz serves as a revision resource, helping candidates assess their preparation, revise key topics, and stay updated with relevant issues. Whether you are preparing for Prelims or sharpening your revision for Mains, consistent practice with these Daily UPSC Quiz can significantly enhance accuracy, speed, and confidence in solving exam-level questions.
UPSC Daily Quiz 12 November 2025
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The Daily UPSC Quiz by Vajiram & Ravi is a thoughtfully curated initiative designed to support UPSC aspirants in strengthening their current affairs knowledge and core conceptual understanding. Aligned with the UPSC Syllabus 2025, this daily quiz serves as a revision resource, helping candidates assess their preparation, revise key topics, and stay updated with relevant issues. Whether you are preparing for Prelims or sharpening your revision for Mains, consistent practice with these Daily UPSC Quiz can significantly enhance accuracy, speed, and confidence in solving exam-level questions
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Question 1 of 10
1. Question
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Consider the following statements regarding Ethiopia:
It is a landlocked country in East Africa.
Its capital is Khartoum.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
Ethiopia is primed to host the COP32 climate summit in 2027, with official confirmation expected soon.
About Ethiopia:
It is a landlocked country in East Africa.
It occupies an area of 1,104,300 sq.km.
It is the largest and most populated country located in the Horn of Africa.
With the 1993 secession of Eritrea, its former province along the Red Sea, Ethiopia became landlocked.
It is bordered by six countries. These are Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Sudan to the north, northeast, east, south, west, and northwest, respectively.
The political system in Ethiopia is Democratic Republic.
Capital: Addis Ababa
Currency: Birr (ETB)
Languages: Afar, Amharic, Oromo, Somali, and Tigrinya.
The country has one of the most rugged and complex topographies on the continent.
The five major topographic features of the country are the Rift Valley, Western and Eastern Highlands, and Western and Eastern Lowlands.
The North Central massifs of the country host the highest point in the country, marked by the yellow upright triangle. It is the 4,533 m high Mount Ras Dejen.
The three main rivers in Ethiopia are the Blue Nile, the Omo River, and the Awash River.
Lake Tana, one of Africa’s most unique wetland ecosystems and the source of 50% of Ethiopia’s freshwater, is located in the northwest of the Ethiopian Highlands.
Ethiopia was among the first independent nations to sign the Charter of the United Nations, and it gave moral and material support to the decolonization of Africa and to the growth of Pan-African cooperation.
These efforts culminated in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (since 2002, the African Union) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, both of which have their headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia is primed to host the COP32 climate summit in 2027, with official confirmation expected soon.
About Ethiopia:
It is a landlocked country in East Africa.
It occupies an area of 1,104,300 sq.km.
It is the largest and most populated country located in the Horn of Africa.
With the 1993 secession of Eritrea, its former province along the Red Sea, Ethiopia became landlocked.
It is bordered by six countries. These are Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Sudan to the north, northeast, east, south, west, and northwest, respectively.
The political system in Ethiopia is Democratic Republic.
Capital: Addis Ababa
Currency: Birr (ETB)
Languages: Afar, Amharic, Oromo, Somali, and Tigrinya.
The country has one of the most rugged and complex topographies on the continent.
The five major topographic features of the country are the Rift Valley, Western and Eastern Highlands, and Western and Eastern Lowlands.
The North Central massifs of the country host the highest point in the country, marked by the yellow upright triangle. It is the 4,533 m high Mount Ras Dejen.
The three main rivers in Ethiopia are the Blue Nile, the Omo River, and the Awash River.
Lake Tana, one of Africa’s most unique wetland ecosystems and the source of 50% of Ethiopia’s freshwater, is located in the northwest of the Ethiopian Highlands.
Ethiopia was among the first independent nations to sign the Charter of the United Nations, and it gave moral and material support to the decolonization of Africa and to the growth of Pan-African cooperation.
These efforts culminated in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (since 2002, the African Union) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, both of which have their headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Which among the following best describes ‘Jaechanax kuranganiensis’, recently seen in the news?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
Researchers recently uncovered a previously unknown species of the unique aquatic insect known as the water-penny beetle, named Jaechanax kuranganiensis.
About Jaechanax kuranganiensis:
It is a new species of water-penny beetle.
It was discovered in the fast-flowing Kurangani stream of the Bodi hills, in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.
It marks the first-ever record of its genus in Tamil Nadu. The genus was previously known only from three other species found in various Asian countries.
The research team identified the new species by examining its distinctive larval form.
Water-penny beetle larvae are famous for their flat, disc-like shape, which allows them to cling tightly to rocks in streams, resembling a tiny coin.
Water-penny beetles play a vital role in the stream ecosystem, serving as an important part of the food chain.
Researchers often use their presence and health as a bioindicator, a natural way to check the overall health and quality of the freshwater environment.
The new species has been named kuranganiensis after the Kurangani stream where it was found.
It is separated from its closest relatives by several key features on its larval body.
Most notably, it possesses a unique groove, or oblique sulcus, on the shield-like segment behind its head (the pronotum).
Furthermore, the researchers noted that the ninth and final abdominal segment of the larva is subrectangular and approximately 1.2 times wider than it is long, a crucial detail for distinguishing it from other known water-penny beetles.
This groove forms a specific triangular structure that is not found in other species of the Jaechanax genus.
Researchers recently uncovered a previously unknown species of the unique aquatic insect known as the water-penny beetle, named Jaechanax kuranganiensis.
About Jaechanax kuranganiensis:
It is a new species of water-penny beetle.
It was discovered in the fast-flowing Kurangani stream of the Bodi hills, in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.
It marks the first-ever record of its genus in Tamil Nadu. The genus was previously known only from three other species found in various Asian countries.
The research team identified the new species by examining its distinctive larval form.
Water-penny beetle larvae are famous for their flat, disc-like shape, which allows them to cling tightly to rocks in streams, resembling a tiny coin.
Water-penny beetles play a vital role in the stream ecosystem, serving as an important part of the food chain.
Researchers often use their presence and health as a bioindicator, a natural way to check the overall health and quality of the freshwater environment.
The new species has been named kuranganiensis after the Kurangani stream where it was found.
It is separated from its closest relatives by several key features on its larval body.
Most notably, it possesses a unique groove, or oblique sulcus, on the shield-like segment behind its head (the pronotum).
Furthermore, the researchers noted that the ninth and final abdominal segment of the larva is subrectangular and approximately 1.2 times wider than it is long, a crucial detail for distinguishing it from other known water-penny beetles.
This groove forms a specific triangular structure that is not found in other species of the Jaechanax genus.
Consider the following statements regarding the Principle of Intergenerational Equity:
It refers to equity between generations, which includes the needs of the future generation in the design and implementation of current policies.
The principle is strongly embedded in the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Supreme Court judge Justice P.S. Narasimha recently said many of the environmental law principles imported from Western countries, such as ‘inter-generational equity’, are anthropocentric and would hardly be of any assistance to protect an endangered species from extinction.
About Intergenerational Equity:
Intergenerational equity is a principle that emphasizes the moral obligation of the current generation to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities and resources available to them as the present generation.
It refers to equity between generations, which includes the needs of the future generation in the design and implementation of current policies.
Thus, intergenerational equity simply means a duty of the present generation towards future generationse. the present generations of human beings are obliged to take care of the natural resources and ecology so that all future generations shall also have an equal chance to enjoy mother nature and the right to life.
It is a recognized principle of International Environmental law which provides for the preservation of natural resources for the benefit of future generations.
The principle is strongly embedded in the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Historically, it owes its recognition to the Brundtland Report, Our Common Future (1987), which popularized the principle of “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
The Declaration of Rio on Environment and Development (1992) adds a rights-based perspective to the principle, suggesting that “the right to development must be fulfilled to equitably meet development and environmental needs of present and future generations.”
Supreme Court judge Justice P.S. Narasimha recently said many of the environmental law principles imported from Western countries, such as ‘inter-generational equity’, are anthropocentric and would hardly be of any assistance to protect an endangered species from extinction.
About Intergenerational Equity:
Intergenerational equity is a principle that emphasizes the moral obligation of the current generation to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities and resources available to them as the present generation.
It refers to equity between generations, which includes the needs of the future generation in the design and implementation of current policies.
Thus, intergenerational equity simply means a duty of the present generation towards future generationse. the present generations of human beings are obliged to take care of the natural resources and ecology so that all future generations shall also have an equal chance to enjoy mother nature and the right to life.
It is a recognized principle of International Environmental law which provides for the preservation of natural resources for the benefit of future generations.
The principle is strongly embedded in the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Historically, it owes its recognition to the Brundtland Report, Our Common Future (1987), which popularized the principle of “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
The Declaration of Rio on Environment and Development (1992) adds a rights-based perspective to the principle, suggesting that “the right to development must be fulfilled to equitably meet development and environmental needs of present and future generations.”
Consider the following statements regarding Neanderthals:
They were an extinct relative of modern humans once found across Africa.
Although they are long extinct, their genes are still present in modern human DNA.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
A recent study supports the view that Neanderthals were not wiped out in a dramatic extinction, but were instead genetically absorbed into the emerging human population over thousands of years.
About Neanderthals:
They were an extinct relative of modern humans once found across Europe, extending into Central and Southwest Asia.
Species: Homo neanderthalensis
The name Neanderthal (or Neandertal) derives from the Neander Valley in Germany, where the fossils were first found.
They are the closest extinct relatives of modern humans (Homo sapiens).
Scientific evidence suggests our two species shared a common ancestor.
Neanderthals were closely related to another group of extinct, little-known human relatives called the Denisovans.
Current evidence from both fossils and DNA suggests that Neanderthal and modern human lineages separated at least 500,000 years ago.
The last populations of Neanderthals are thought to have died out roughly 40,000 years ago, several thousand years or so after a wave of modern humans migrated deeper into Europe.
Although they are long extinct, their genes are still present in modern human DNA.
Features:
Some defining features of their skulls include the large middle part of the face, angled cheek bones, and a huge nose for humidifying and warming cold, dry air.
Their bodies were shorter and stockier than modern humans, another adaptation to living in cold environments.
But their brains were just as large as modern humans and often larger-proportional to their brawnier bodies.
Their bones reveal that they were extremely muscular and strong, but led hard lives, suffering frequent injuries.
Unlike modern humans, Neanderthals didn’t have much of a chin.
Neanderthals made and used a diverse set of sophisticated tools, controlled fire, lived in shelters, made and wore clothing, were skilled hunters of large animals, ate plant foods, and occasionally made symbolic or ornamental objects.
Around 300,000 years ago Neanderthals developed an innovative stone technology known as the Levallois technique.
This involved making pre-shaped stone cores that could be finessed into a finished tool at a later time.
There is evidence that Neanderthals deliberately buried their dead and occasionally even marked their graves with offerings, such as flowers.
No other primates, and no earlier human species, had ever practiced this sophisticated and symbolic behavior.
A recent study supports the view that Neanderthals were not wiped out in a dramatic extinction, but were instead genetically absorbed into the emerging human population over thousands of years.
About Neanderthals:
They were an extinct relative of modern humans once found across Europe, extending into Central and Southwest Asia.
Species: Homo neanderthalensis
The name Neanderthal (or Neandertal) derives from the Neander Valley in Germany, where the fossils were first found.
They are the closest extinct relatives of modern humans (Homo sapiens).
Scientific evidence suggests our two species shared a common ancestor.
Neanderthals were closely related to another group of extinct, little-known human relatives called the Denisovans.
Current evidence from both fossils and DNA suggests that Neanderthal and modern human lineages separated at least 500,000 years ago.
The last populations of Neanderthals are thought to have died out roughly 40,000 years ago, several thousand years or so after a wave of modern humans migrated deeper into Europe.
Although they are long extinct, their genes are still present in modern human DNA.
Features:
Some defining features of their skulls include the large middle part of the face, angled cheek bones, and a huge nose for humidifying and warming cold, dry air.
Their bodies were shorter and stockier than modern humans, another adaptation to living in cold environments.
But their brains were just as large as modern humans and often larger-proportional to their brawnier bodies.
Their bones reveal that they were extremely muscular and strong, but led hard lives, suffering frequent injuries.
Unlike modern humans, Neanderthals didn’t have much of a chin.
Neanderthals made and used a diverse set of sophisticated tools, controlled fire, lived in shelters, made and wore clothing, were skilled hunters of large animals, ate plant foods, and occasionally made symbolic or ornamental objects.
Around 300,000 years ago Neanderthals developed an innovative stone technology known as the Levallois technique.
This involved making pre-shaped stone cores that could be finessed into a finished tool at a later time.
There is evidence that Neanderthals deliberately buried their dead and occasionally even marked their graves with offerings, such as flowers.
No other primates, and no earlier human species, had ever practiced this sophisticated and symbolic behavior.
Consider the following statements regarding Vietnam:
It has two main rivers namely Red River and Mekong River which drains into the South China Sea.
It shares border with China and Cambodia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, 15th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue was held in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Location: It is located in the eastern portion of mainland Southeast Asia.
Bordering Countries: It is bordered by China to the north, and Cambodia and Laos to the
Maritime Boundaries: It shares border with South China Sea (East and South), Gulf of Thailand (Southwest).
It is roughly S-shaped, running for a distance of about 1,650 km in the north-to-south
Geographical Features of Vietnam:
It is a country of tropical lowlands, rolling green hills, and densely forested mountains.
Major Rivers:Red River and Mekong Riverboth drains into the South China Sea.
Major Mountain: Vietnam’s principal physiographic features are the Annamese Cordillerawhich extends generally from northwest to southeast in central Vietnam.
Highest Point: Vietnam’s highest point is Phan Xi Pang whose summit reaches 3,144 m
Climate: It is located in the tropical zone. Its climate is characterized by high temperature and humidity all year round.
Natural Resources: It mainly abundant in antimony, phosphates, coal, manganese, rare earth elements, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil and gas deposits.
Recently, 15th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue was held in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Location: It is located in the eastern portion of mainland Southeast Asia.
Bordering Countries: It is bordered by China to the north, and Cambodia and Laos to the
Maritime Boundaries: It shares border with South China Sea (East and South), Gulf of Thailand (Southwest).
It is roughly S-shaped, running for a distance of about 1,650 km in the north-to-south
Geographical Features of Vietnam:
It is a country of tropical lowlands, rolling green hills, and densely forested mountains.
Major Rivers:Red River and Mekong Riverboth drains into the South China Sea.
Major Mountain: Vietnam’s principal physiographic features are the Annamese Cordillerawhich extends generally from northwest to southeast in central Vietnam.
Highest Point: Vietnam’s highest point is Phan Xi Pang whose summit reaches 3,144 m
Climate: It is located in the tropical zone. Its climate is characterized by high temperature and humidity all year round.
Natural Resources: It mainly abundant in antimony, phosphates, coal, manganese, rare earth elements, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil and gas deposits.
Consider the following statements regarding Humboldt Penguin:
It is endemic to the Pacific coasts of Chile and Peru.
It is categorized as critically endangered species under the IUCN Red List.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
Recently, Chilean scientists warned of further risks to the world’s shrinking population of Humboldt penguins.
The Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) belongs to a genus that is commonly known as the ‘banded’ group.
They are so named because their habitat is located near the Humboldt Current, a large oceanic upwelling characterised by cold waters.
Distribution: Humboldt penguins are endemic to the Pacific coasts of Chile and Peru. Chile’s Pacific coast is home to 80% of the world’s remaining Humboldt penguins,
Appearance of Humboldt Penguin:
They have large, bare skin patches around their eyes, an adaptation to help keep them cool, according to the Smithsonian Institute.
They are a medium-sized species with an average height of just over 2 ft.
Breeding season: Their breeding season in the wild is either March-April or September-October depending on the location of the colony.
Humboldt penguins are monogamous and recognize their partner in the colony through distinct vocal cues.
Threats: Competition for food from commercial fishing as well as habitat loss, pollution, bird flu and the worsening impacts of climate change have contributed to declining numbers.
Recently, Chilean scientists warned of further risks to the world’s shrinking population of Humboldt penguins.
The Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) belongs to a genus that is commonly known as the ‘banded’ group.
They are so named because their habitat is located near the Humboldt Current, a large oceanic upwelling characterised by cold waters.
Distribution: Humboldt penguins are endemic to the Pacific coasts of Chile and Peru. Chile’s Pacific coast is home to 80% of the world’s remaining Humboldt penguins,
Appearance of Humboldt Penguin:
They have large, bare skin patches around their eyes, an adaptation to help keep them cool, according to the Smithsonian Institute.
They are a medium-sized species with an average height of just over 2 ft.
Breeding season: Their breeding season in the wild is either March-April or September-October depending on the location of the colony.
Humboldt penguins are monogamous and recognize their partner in the colony through distinct vocal cues.
Threats: Competition for food from commercial fishing as well as habitat loss, pollution, bird flu and the worsening impacts of climate change have contributed to declining numbers.
Consider the following statements regarding Climate Investment Fund:
It is a multilateral climate fund that enables climate action in low and middle income countries.
It is the only climate fund working exclusively through six AAA-rated multilateral development banks (MDBs).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, during COP 30 of UNFCCC, Germany and Spain announced $100 million commitment for the Climate Investment Fund’s (CIF) new programme called Accelerating Resilience Investments and innovations for Sustainable Economies (ARISE).
It was launched in 2008.
It is a multilateral climate fund that enables climate action in over 70 low and middle income countries.
Purpose: The purpose of CIF is to finance comprehensive measures for climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing and emerging economies.
CIF deploys highly concessional finance to empower transformations in clean technology, energy access, climate resilience, nature-based solutions, and other areas.
CIF comprises two funds: the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF).
It is the only climate fund working exclusively through six AAA-rated multilateral development banks (MDBs) namely;
Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Islamic Development Bank International Finance Corporation and World Bank
Governance: The Clean Technology Fund (CTF) Trust Fund Committee is the decision-making body responsible for determining and overseeing the operations and activities of the fund.
In 2024, CIF became the first multilateral climate fund to list bonds on the capital markets, with the CIF Capital Markets Mechanism (CCMM).
Secretariat: The CIF Secretariat is hosted by the World Bank.
Recently, during COP 30 of UNFCCC, Germany and Spain announced $100 million commitment for the Climate Investment Fund’s (CIF) new programme called Accelerating Resilience Investments and innovations for Sustainable Economies (ARISE).
It was launched in 2008.
It is a multilateral climate fund that enables climate action in over 70 low and middle income countries.
Purpose: The purpose of CIF is to finance comprehensive measures for climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing and emerging economies.
CIF deploys highly concessional finance to empower transformations in clean technology, energy access, climate resilience, nature-based solutions, and other areas.
CIF comprises two funds: the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF).
It is the only climate fund working exclusively through six AAA-rated multilateral development banks (MDBs) namely;
Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Islamic Development Bank International Finance Corporation and World Bank
Governance: The Clean Technology Fund (CTF) Trust Fund Committee is the decision-making body responsible for determining and overseeing the operations and activities of the fund.
In 2024, CIF became the first multilateral climate fund to list bonds on the capital markets, with the CIF Capital Markets Mechanism (CCMM).
Secretariat: The CIF Secretariat is hosted by the World Bank.
Recently, concerns have been raised over a proposed wind farm near Greater Flamingo Sanctuary in Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu.
Location: It is located in Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu.
It is nestled within the ecologically sensitive Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.
It is home to a variety of ecosystems, including mangroves, sand dunes, mudflats, and marshes.
It is a critical stopover point along the Central Asian Flyway for thousands of migratory wetland birds.
Fauna: This region supports 128 bird species, including Greater and Lesser Flamingos and provide habitats for marine life, including fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and nesting sea turtles.
Flora: It features diverse ecosystems and mangrove forests like Avicennia and Rhizophora, which stabilise the coastline.
Recently, concerns have been raised over a proposed wind farm near Greater Flamingo Sanctuary in Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu.
Location: It is located in Dhanushkodi in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu.
It is nestled within the ecologically sensitive Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.
It is home to a variety of ecosystems, including mangroves, sand dunes, mudflats, and marshes.
It is a critical stopover point along the Central Asian Flyway for thousands of migratory wetland birds.
Fauna: This region supports 128 bird species, including Greater and Lesser Flamingos and provide habitats for marine life, including fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and nesting sea turtles.
Flora: It features diverse ecosystems and mangrove forests like Avicennia and Rhizophora, which stabilise the coastline.
Ans. The Daily UPSC Quiz is a set of practice questions based on current affairs, static subjects, and PYQs that help aspirants enhance retention and test conceptual clarity regularly.
Q2. How is the Daily Quiz useful for UPSC preparation?+
Ans. Daily quizzes support learning, help in revision, improve time management, and boost accuracy for both UPSC Prelims and Mains through consistent practice.
Q3. Are the quiz questions based on the UPSC syllabus?+
Ans. Yes, all questions are aligned with the UPSC Syllabus 2025, covering key areas like Polity, Economy, Environment, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.
Q4. Are solutions and explanations provided with the quiz?+
Ans. Yes, each quiz includes detailed explanations and source references to enhance conceptual understanding and enable self-assessment.
Q5. Is the Daily UPSC Quiz suitable for both Prelims and Mains?+
Ans. Primarily focused on Prelims (MCQ format), but it also indirectly helps in Mains by strengthening subject knowledge and factual clarity.
At Vajiram & Ravi, our team includes subject experts who have appeared for the UPSC Mains and the Interview stage. With their deep understanding of the exam, they create content that is clear, to the point, reliable, and helpful for aspirants.Their aim is to make even difficult topics easy to understand and directly useful for your UPSC preparation—whether it’s for Current Affairs, General Studies, or Optional subjects. Every note, article, or test is designed to save your time and boost your performance.
