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 10 December 2025
Quiz-summary
0 of 10 questions completed
Questions:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
Information
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
You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.
Quiz is loading...
You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.
You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:
Results
0 of 10 questions answered correctly
Your time:
Time has elapsed
You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)
| Average score |
|
| Your score |
|
Categories
- Not categorized 0%
| Pos. | Name | Entered on | Points | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table is loading | ||||
| No data available | ||||
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- Answered
- Review
-
Question 1 of 10
1. Question
1 pointsWhich among the following best describes Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar, recently seen in the news?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently identified two new species of jumping spiders, Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar, in the forested terrains of the Northeast.
About Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar:
These are two new species of jumping spiders discovered in Meghalaya.
Both species belong to the Salticidae family, the tribe of “jumping spiders” known for their sharp vision, rapid reflexes and predatory precision.
Unlike traditional web-weavers, these spiders stalk their prey with stealth before springing in a split-second leap.
Asemonea dentis:
Only the third Indian species identified under the Asemonea genus, a group that remains sparsely documented in the country.
The species is named ‘dentis’ for a distinctive tooth-like projection on the male’s palpal femur.
Males carry a greenish-brown body marked by a pale-yellow V-shaped pattern on the abdomen.
Females, by contrast, appear creamy white with delicate black markings.
Colyttus nongwar:
It is the second Indian member of the little-known Oriental genus Colyttus.
It draws its name from Nongwar, the Khasi Hills village where it was documented.
Both sexes display an oval, reddish-brown carapace and a light-brown abdomen framed by a creamy band at the front and five crisp chevron-shaped patches toward the rear.
Hence option c is the correct answer.
News: https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/meghalayas-living-treasure-scientists-uncover-two-new-species-of-spiders/cid/2137006#goog_rewarded
Incorrect
Answer: c
Explanation:
Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently identified two new species of jumping spiders, Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar, in the forested terrains of the Northeast.
About Asemonea dentis and Colyttus nongwar:
These are two new species of jumping spiders discovered in Meghalaya.
Both species belong to the Salticidae family, the tribe of “jumping spiders” known for their sharp vision, rapid reflexes and predatory precision.
Unlike traditional web-weavers, these spiders stalk their prey with stealth before springing in a split-second leap.
Asemonea dentis:
Only the third Indian species identified under the Asemonea genus, a group that remains sparsely documented in the country.
The species is named ‘dentis’ for a distinctive tooth-like projection on the male’s palpal femur.
Males carry a greenish-brown body marked by a pale-yellow V-shaped pattern on the abdomen.
Females, by contrast, appear creamy white with delicate black markings.
Colyttus nongwar:
It is the second Indian member of the little-known Oriental genus Colyttus.
It draws its name from Nongwar, the Khasi Hills village where it was documented.
Both sexes display an oval, reddish-brown carapace and a light-brown abdomen framed by a creamy band at the front and five crisp chevron-shaped patches toward the rear.
Hence option c is the correct answer.
News: https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/meghalayas-living-treasure-scientists-uncover-two-new-species-of-spiders/cid/2137006#goog_rewarded
-
Question 2 of 10
2. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding AviSpray-10c, recently seen in the news:
- It is a compact, backpack-sized spraying drone designed for the agriculture sector.
- It was developed by IIT Madras.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
AvironiX Drones, a Chennai-based deep-tech drone company, recently announced the launch of its latest agricultural innovation, the AviSpray-10c.
About AviSpray-10c:
It is a compact, backpack-sized spraying drone 53% smaller than the current generation.
It was developed by the AvironiX Drones, a Chennai-based deep-tech drone company focused on precision farming and defence technologies.
It is designed to significantly reduce the cost, operational complexity, and manpower requirements of drone-based crop spraying in India.
Unlike many agricultural drones developed primarily under laboratory conditions, the AviSpray-10c has been validated through extensive real-world deployment.
It is built on operational insights gathered from over 6,000 acres of real-world agricultural spraying across diverse crops, including sugarcane and paddy.
Advantages:
Backpack-sized form factor for transport on scooters and bicycles.
No requirement for bulky transport vehicles.
Elimination of permanent drone mounting boxes.
Single-operator deployment with no assistant required.
Coverage of up to 5 acres per battery charge, representing a 60% improvement over most comparable platforms.
Reduced battery count, lower upfront capital costs, and lower fuel consumption.
2× improvement in spraying accuracy.
Terrain-following radar and collision-avoidance systems.
Multiple nozzle configurations.
Swappable chemical tanks.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
Incorrect
Answer: a
Explanation:
AvironiX Drones, a Chennai-based deep-tech drone company, recently announced the launch of its latest agricultural innovation, the AviSpray-10c.
About AviSpray-10c:
It is a compact, backpack-sized spraying drone 53% smaller than the current generation.
It was developed by the AvironiX Drones, a Chennai-based deep-tech drone company focused on precision farming and defence technologies.
It is designed to significantly reduce the cost, operational complexity, and manpower requirements of drone-based crop spraying in India.
Unlike many agricultural drones developed primarily under laboratory conditions, the AviSpray-10c has been validated through extensive real-world deployment.
It is built on operational insights gathered from over 6,000 acres of real-world agricultural spraying across diverse crops, including sugarcane and paddy.
Advantages:
Backpack-sized form factor for transport on scooters and bicycles.
No requirement for bulky transport vehicles.
Elimination of permanent drone mounting boxes.
Single-operator deployment with no assistant required.
Coverage of up to 5 acres per battery charge, representing a 60% improvement over most comparable platforms.
Reduced battery count, lower upfront capital costs, and lower fuel consumption.
2× improvement in spraying accuracy.
Terrain-following radar and collision-avoidance systems.
Multiple nozzle configurations.
Swappable chemical tanks.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
-
Question 3 of 10
3. Question
1 pointsWith reference to Solar Storm, consider the following statements:
- It is a sudden explosion of particles, energy, magnetic fields, and material blasted into the solar system by the Sun.
- It is caused by snapping and reconnection of twisted magnetic fields on the Sun.
- It can cause direct harm to people on Earth.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
India’s first solar observatory Aditya-L1 played a key role in helping scientists decode why the strongest solar storm in more than two decades that struck Earth in May 2024 behaved so unusually, ISRO said recently.
About Solar Storm:
A solar storm is a sudden explosion of particles, energy, magnetic fields, and material blasted into the solar system by the Sun.
What Causes a Solar Storm?
The Sun creates a tangled mess of magnetic fields.
These magnetic fields get twisted up as the Sun rotates — with its equator rotating faster than its poles.
Solar storms typically begin when these twisted magnetic fields on the Sun get contorted and stretched so much that they snap and reconnect (in a process called magnetic reconnection), releasing large amounts of energy.
These powerful eruptions can generate any or all of the following:
a bright flash of light called a solar flare.
a radiation storm, or flurry of solar particles propelled into space at high speeds.
an enormous cloud of solar material, called a coronal mass ejection, that billows away from the Sun.
How Does a Solar Storm Affect Us?
When directed toward Earth, a solar storm can create a major disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field, called a geomagnetic storm, that can produce effects such as radio blackouts, power outages, and beautiful auroras.
They do not cause direct harm to anyone on Earth, however, as our planet’s magnetic field and atmosphere protect us from the worst of these storms.
Hence option b is the correct answer.
Incorrect
Answer: b
Explanation:
India’s first solar observatory Aditya-L1 played a key role in helping scientists decode why the strongest solar storm in more than two decades that struck Earth in May 2024 behaved so unusually, ISRO said recently.
About Solar Storm:
A solar storm is a sudden explosion of particles, energy, magnetic fields, and material blasted into the solar system by the Sun.
What Causes a Solar Storm?
The Sun creates a tangled mess of magnetic fields.
These magnetic fields get twisted up as the Sun rotates — with its equator rotating faster than its poles.
Solar storms typically begin when these twisted magnetic fields on the Sun get contorted and stretched so much that they snap and reconnect (in a process called magnetic reconnection), releasing large amounts of energy.
These powerful eruptions can generate any or all of the following:
a bright flash of light called a solar flare.
a radiation storm, or flurry of solar particles propelled into space at high speeds.
an enormous cloud of solar material, called a coronal mass ejection, that billows away from the Sun.
How Does a Solar Storm Affect Us?
When directed toward Earth, a solar storm can create a major disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field, called a geomagnetic storm, that can produce effects such as radio blackouts, power outages, and beautiful auroras.
They do not cause direct harm to anyone on Earth, however, as our planet’s magnetic field and atmosphere protect us from the worst of these storms.
Hence option b is the correct answer.
-
Question 4 of 10
4. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding Large Language Models (LLMs):
- An LLM is a database management tool.
- LLMs are trained on huge datasets.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
A government working paper released recently suggested that AI large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT should, by default, have access to content freely available online, and that publishers should not have an opt-out mechanism for such content.
About Large Language Models (LLMs):
An LLM is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) program that can recognize and generate text, among other tasks.
LLMs are trained on huge sets of data—hence the name “large.”
LLMs are built on machine learning: specifically, a type of neural network called a transformer model, which excels at handling sequences of words and capturing patterns in text.
In simpler terms, an LLM is a computer program that has been fed enough examples to be able to recognize and interpret human language or other types of complex data.
Many LLMs are trained on data that has been gathered from the Internet—thousands or millions of gigabytes’ worth of text.
But the quality of the samples impacts how well LLMs will learn natural language, so LLM’s programmers may use a more curated data set.
LLMs use a type of machine learning called deep learning in order to understand how characters, words, and sentences function together.
Deep learning involves the probabilistic analysis of unstructured data, which eventually enables the deep learning model to recognize distinctions between pieces of content without human intervention.
LLMs are then further trained via tuning: they are fine-tuned or prompt-tuned to the particular task that the programmer wants them to do.
What are LLMs Used For?
LLMs can perform various language tasks, such as answering questions, summarizing text, translating between languages, and writing content.
Businesses use LLM-based applications to help improve employee productivity and efficiency, provide personalized recommendations to customers, and accelerate ideation, innovation, and product development.
LLMs serve as the foundational powerhouses behind some of today’s most used text-focused generative AI (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, and Meta AI.
Since LLMs are now becoming multimodal (working with media types beyond text), they are now also called “foundation models”.
Though they are groundbreaking, LLMs face challenges that may include computational requirements, ethical concerns, and limitations in understanding context.
Hence only statement 2 is correct.
Incorrect
Answer: b
Explanation:
A government working paper released recently suggested that AI large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT should, by default, have access to content freely available online, and that publishers should not have an opt-out mechanism for such content.
About Large Language Models (LLMs):
An LLM is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) program that can recognize and generate text, among other tasks.
LLMs are trained on huge sets of data—hence the name “large.”
LLMs are built on machine learning: specifically, a type of neural network called a transformer model, which excels at handling sequences of words and capturing patterns in text.
In simpler terms, an LLM is a computer program that has been fed enough examples to be able to recognize and interpret human language or other types of complex data.
Many LLMs are trained on data that has been gathered from the Internet—thousands or millions of gigabytes’ worth of text.
But the quality of the samples impacts how well LLMs will learn natural language, so LLM’s programmers may use a more curated data set.
LLMs use a type of machine learning called deep learning in order to understand how characters, words, and sentences function together.
Deep learning involves the probabilistic analysis of unstructured data, which eventually enables the deep learning model to recognize distinctions between pieces of content without human intervention.
LLMs are then further trained via tuning: they are fine-tuned or prompt-tuned to the particular task that the programmer wants them to do.
What are LLMs Used For?
LLMs can perform various language tasks, such as answering questions, summarizing text, translating between languages, and writing content.
Businesses use LLM-based applications to help improve employee productivity and efficiency, provide personalized recommendations to customers, and accelerate ideation, innovation, and product development.
LLMs serve as the foundational powerhouses behind some of today’s most used text-focused generative AI (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, and Meta AI.
Since LLMs are now becoming multimodal (working with media types beyond text), they are now also called “foundation models”.
Though they are groundbreaking, LLMs face challenges that may include computational requirements, ethical concerns, and limitations in understanding context.
Hence only statement 2 is correct.
-
Question 5 of 10
5. Question
1 pointsSultanpur National Park, recently seen in the news, is located in which Indian state?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Sultanpur National Park is once again echoing with the sounds of migratory birds, with their numbers rising significantly as temperatures drop.
About Sultanpur National Park:
Sultanpur National Park, formerly known as Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, is located in the Gurgaon district in Haryana, 46 km from Delhi.
Spanning 1.42 sq.km., it consists primarily of marshy lakes and floodplains.
It includes a core area of 1.21 sq. km containing the main Sultanpur Lake/Jheel.
The Sultanpur Jheel is a seasonal freshwater wetland with fluctuating water levels throughout the year.
This shallow lake is mostly fed by waters from River Yamuna’s Gurgaon canal and the overflowing waters of the neighboring agricultural lands.
It gained national attention in the late 1960s due to the conservation efforts of ornithologists Peter Michel Jackson and Dr. Salim Ali, who frequently visited the site for birding.
It was recognised as a Ramsar site in 2021.
It has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
Flora: The vegetation of this park is tropical and dry deciduous, and the flora includes grasses, dhok, khair, tendu, ber, jamun, banyan tree, neem, berberis, Acacia nilotica, and Acacia tortilis.
Fauna:
Over 320 bird species have been recorded at Sultanpur, making it a vital wintering ground.
It forms a part of the ‘Central Asian Migratory Flyway’ and thousands of migratory birds from the countries of Russia, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Europe visit the park during the winter months.
Winter Migrants: Greater Flamingos, Northern Pintails, Eurasian Wigeons, Common Teals, and Bar-headed Geese.
Resident Birds: Indian Peafowl, Red-wattled Lapwings, Cattle Egrets, and White-throated Kingfishers.
Rare/Threatened Species: Sarus Crane, Black-necked Stork, and Indian Courser have been recorded here.
Other faunal species, such as Nilgai, Sambar, Golden jackals, wild dog, striped hyenas, Indian porcupine, mongoose, etc., are also found here.
Hence option c is the correct answer.
News: https://www.thedailyjagran.com/haryana/gurugram-cold-wave-boosts-migratory-bird-arrivals-at-sultanpur-rare-species-spotted-40066171
Incorrect
Answer: c
Explanation:
Sultanpur National Park is once again echoing with the sounds of migratory birds, with their numbers rising significantly as temperatures drop.
About Sultanpur National Park:
Sultanpur National Park, formerly known as Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, is located in the Gurgaon district in Haryana, 46 km from Delhi.
Spanning 1.42 sq.km., it consists primarily of marshy lakes and floodplains.
It includes a core area of 1.21 sq. km containing the main Sultanpur Lake/Jheel.
The Sultanpur Jheel is a seasonal freshwater wetland with fluctuating water levels throughout the year.
This shallow lake is mostly fed by waters from River Yamuna’s Gurgaon canal and the overflowing waters of the neighboring agricultural lands.
It gained national attention in the late 1960s due to the conservation efforts of ornithologists Peter Michel Jackson and Dr. Salim Ali, who frequently visited the site for birding.
It was recognised as a Ramsar site in 2021.
It has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
Flora: The vegetation of this park is tropical and dry deciduous, and the flora includes grasses, dhok, khair, tendu, ber, jamun, banyan tree, neem, berberis, Acacia nilotica, and Acacia tortilis.
Fauna:
Over 320 bird species have been recorded at Sultanpur, making it a vital wintering ground.
It forms a part of the ‘Central Asian Migratory Flyway’ and thousands of migratory birds from the countries of Russia, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Europe visit the park during the winter months.
Winter Migrants: Greater Flamingos, Northern Pintails, Eurasian Wigeons, Common Teals, and Bar-headed Geese.
Resident Birds: Indian Peafowl, Red-wattled Lapwings, Cattle Egrets, and White-throated Kingfishers.
Rare/Threatened Species: Sarus Crane, Black-necked Stork, and Indian Courser have been recorded here.
Other faunal species, such as Nilgai, Sambar, Golden jackals, wild dog, striped hyenas, Indian porcupine, mongoose, etc., are also found here.
Hence option c is the correct answer.
News: https://www.thedailyjagran.com/haryana/gurugram-cold-wave-boosts-migratory-bird-arrivals-at-sultanpur-rare-species-spotted-40066171
-
Question 6 of 10
6. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding Blue Corner Notice:
- It is an international alert issued under Interpol’s colour-coded system.
- It is issued prior to the filing of criminal charges.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice for the missing owners of the Goa’s nightclub, where a devastating fire took place.
- The Blue Corner Notice is an international alert issued under Interpol’s colour-coded system, which allows member countries to share information and requests for information across borders.
- It is also known as an “enquiry notice” allows police forces in member states to share critical crime-related information such as obtaining a person’s criminal record, and location and, having his or her identity verified among others.
- Blue corner notices are issued prior to the filing of criminal charges.
- Other types of notices of INTERPOL include:
- Red Notice: To locate and arrest individuals wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence
- Yellow Notice: It is issued to trace missing persons—especially children—or identify individuals unable to confirm their identity.
- Black Notice: To gather information about unidentified bodies.
- Green Notice: Alerts member countries about someone with a history of criminal behaviour who may pose a threat.
- Orange Notice: Warns about a person, object, or event that could pose an immediate risk to public safety.
- Purple Notice: Shares details on criminal methods, tools, or concealment techniques.
- Silver Notice (pilot): Helps identify and trace assets linked to criminal activities.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/goa-nightclub-fire-interpol-issues-blue-corner-notice-against-owners-heres-what-it-means/articleshow/125872206.cms?from=mdr
Incorrect
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice for the missing owners of the Goa’s nightclub, where a devastating fire took place.
- The Blue Corner Notice is an international alert issued under Interpol’s colour-coded system, which allows member countries to share information and requests for information across borders.
- It is also known as an “enquiry notice” allows police forces in member states to share critical crime-related information such as obtaining a person’s criminal record, and location and, having his or her identity verified among others.
- Blue corner notices are issued prior to the filing of criminal charges.
- Other types of notices of INTERPOL include:
- Red Notice: To locate and arrest individuals wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence
- Yellow Notice: It is issued to trace missing persons—especially children—or identify individuals unable to confirm their identity.
- Black Notice: To gather information about unidentified bodies.
- Green Notice: Alerts member countries about someone with a history of criminal behaviour who may pose a threat.
- Orange Notice: Warns about a person, object, or event that could pose an immediate risk to public safety.
- Purple Notice: Shares details on criminal methods, tools, or concealment techniques.
- Silver Notice (pilot): Helps identify and trace assets linked to criminal activities.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/goa-nightclub-fire-interpol-issues-blue-corner-notice-against-owners-heres-what-it-means/articleshow/125872206.cms?from=mdr
-
Question 7 of 10
7. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding Brunei:
- It is located along the northern coast of Borneo Island in Southeast Asia.
- It is a member country of the ASEAN organisation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, the inaugural meeting of the India-Brunei Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation was held in New Delhi.
- Location: It is located along the northern coast of Borneo Island in Southeast Asia.
- Bordered by: Brunei is bordered by the South China Sea in the north and on all other sides by Malaysia.
- Brunei is divided into two non-contiguous parts by a portion of the Malaysian State of Sarawak.
- Capital: Bander Seri Begawan – the capital and largest city of Brunei.
- It is a member country of Commonwealth and ASEAN.
- Geographical Features of Brunei
- Climate: The climate of Brunei (or Brunei Darussalam) is equatorial, ie hot, humid and rainy throughout the year.
- Terrain: It consists of flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west
- Mountain: Bukit Pagon is the highest point in the country at 6,069 ft along the border with Malaysia in the eastern mountainous region.
- Rivers: Numerous rivers drain the land, including the Belait, Pandaruan, and Tutong.
- Natural Resources: It is also a major oil producer in Southeast Asia.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-brunei-hold-inaugural-defence-jwg-meet/article70376449.ece
Incorrect
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, the inaugural meeting of the India-Brunei Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation was held in New Delhi.
- Location: It is located along the northern coast of Borneo Island in Southeast Asia.
- Bordered by: Brunei is bordered by the South China Sea in the north and on all other sides by Malaysia.
- Brunei is divided into two non-contiguous parts by a portion of the Malaysian State of Sarawak.
- Capital: Bander Seri Begawan – the capital and largest city of Brunei.
- It is a member country of Commonwealth and ASEAN.
- Geographical Features of Brunei
- Climate: The climate of Brunei (or Brunei Darussalam) is equatorial, ie hot, humid and rainy throughout the year.
- Terrain: It consists of flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west
- Mountain: Bukit Pagon is the highest point in the country at 6,069 ft along the border with Malaysia in the eastern mountainous region.
- Rivers: Numerous rivers drain the land, including the Belait, Pandaruan, and Tutong.
- Natural Resources: It is also a major oil producer in Southeast Asia.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-brunei-hold-inaugural-defence-jwg-meet/article70376449.ece
-
Question 8 of 10
8. Question
1 pointsWith reference to African Penguin, consider the following:
- It is a flightless species and adapted for a marine habitat.
- It is found only on the coast of Namibia.
- It is categorized as critically endangered species under the IUCN Red List.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
Recently, a new study found that over 60,000 African penguins starved to death between 2004 and 2011 after sardine stocks collapsed.
- The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is a species of penguin that lives in southern African waters.
- It is flightlessand adapted for a marine habitat.
- Breeding: The species breeds naturally in burrows dug into guano (a natural substance composed of the excrement of birds, bats, and seals), which protects them from the extreme heat of their environment.
- Appearance: It has a black stripe and a pattern of unique black spots on its chest, as well as pink glands above its eyes that become pinker as the penguin gets hotter.
- Penguins can lose almost half their body mass during their annual 21-day moult.
- During this period, the birds come ashore, shed their feathers and cannot enter the water to feed.
- Habitat: It is usually found within 40 kilometers of the shore, coming onshore to a variety of coastal habitats to breed, molt, and rest.
- Distribution: It is mainly found along the coast of Namibia and the Atlantic coast of South Africa.
- Lifespan: Its average lifespan in the wild is 20 years.
- Threats: Global-warming-induced shifts in the marine and atmospheric environment are destructive to the African penguin’s habitat.
- Conservation Status: IUCN: Critically Endangered
Hence only statements 1 and 3 are correct.
News: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/over-60000-african-penguins-starved-to-death-between-2004-and-2011-after-sardine-stocks-collapsed
Incorrect
Answer: b
Explanation:
Recently, a new study found that over 60,000 African penguins starved to death between 2004 and 2011 after sardine stocks collapsed.
- The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is a species of penguin that lives in southern African waters.
- It is flightlessand adapted for a marine habitat.
- Breeding: The species breeds naturally in burrows dug into guano (a natural substance composed of the excrement of birds, bats, and seals), which protects them from the extreme heat of their environment.
- Appearance: It has a black stripe and a pattern of unique black spots on its chest, as well as pink glands above its eyes that become pinker as the penguin gets hotter.
- Penguins can lose almost half their body mass during their annual 21-day moult.
- During this period, the birds come ashore, shed their feathers and cannot enter the water to feed.
- Habitat: It is usually found within 40 kilometers of the shore, coming onshore to a variety of coastal habitats to breed, molt, and rest.
- Distribution: It is mainly found along the coast of Namibia and the Atlantic coast of South Africa.
- Lifespan: Its average lifespan in the wild is 20 years.
- Threats: Global-warming-induced shifts in the marine and atmospheric environment are destructive to the African penguin’s habitat.
- Conservation Status: IUCN: Critically Endangered
Hence only statements 1 and 3 are correct.
News: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/over-60000-african-penguins-starved-to-death-between-2004-and-2011-after-sardine-stocks-collapsed
-
Question 9 of 10
9. Question
1 pointsBuxa Tiger Reserve, recently in news, is located in:
Correct
Answer: d
Explanation:
Recently, mega 4 months wildlife survey has begun across the Buxa Tiger Reserve.
- Location: It is located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal.
- Its northern boundary runs along the international border with Bhutan.
- The fragile “Terai Eco-System” constitutes a part of this reserve.
- It serves as an international corridorfor elephant migration between India and Bhutan.
- The reserve has corridor connectivity across the border with the forests of Bhutan in the North, on the East it has linkages with the Kochugaon forests, Manas Tiger Reserve and on the West with the Jaldapara National Park.
- Rivers: Two rivers, namely the River Raidak and the River Jayanti, flow through the forest of Buxa.
- Vegetation: The forests of the reserve can be broadly classified as the ‘Moist Tropical Forest’.
- Flora: Some of the important species are Sal, Champa, Gamar, Simul, and Chikrasi.
- Fauna: The main species include the Tiger, elephant, leopard cat, gaur, wild boar, sambar, hog deer, Chinese pangolin, etc.
Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
News: https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/mega-4-month-wildlife-survey-begins-at-buxa-tiger-reserve-638973
Incorrect
Answer: d
Explanation:
Recently, mega 4 months wildlife survey has begun across the Buxa Tiger Reserve.
- Location: It is located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal.
- Its northern boundary runs along the international border with Bhutan.
- The fragile “Terai Eco-System” constitutes a part of this reserve.
- It serves as an international corridorfor elephant migration between India and Bhutan.
- The reserve has corridor connectivity across the border with the forests of Bhutan in the North, on the East it has linkages with the Kochugaon forests, Manas Tiger Reserve and on the West with the Jaldapara National Park.
- Rivers: Two rivers, namely the River Raidak and the River Jayanti, flow through the forest of Buxa.
- Vegetation: The forests of the reserve can be broadly classified as the ‘Moist Tropical Forest’.
- Flora: Some of the important species are Sal, Champa, Gamar, Simul, and Chikrasi.
- Fauna: The main species include the Tiger, elephant, leopard cat, gaur, wild boar, sambar, hog deer, Chinese pangolin, etc.
Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
News: https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/mega-4-month-wildlife-survey-begins-at-buxa-tiger-reserve-638973
-
Question 10 of 10
10. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation:
- It is an Intergovernmental Organization mandated to harmonise global maritime navigation systems.
- India is not a member of this organization.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways virtually inaugurated the 3rd Session of the Council of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) held in Mumbai.
- It was established in 1957 as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
- It officially changed its status from a Non-governmental Organization (NGO) to an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) based on a Convention ratified by 34 States in 2024.
- Its mandate is to harmonise global maritime navigation systems, promote maritime safety initiatives, and collaborate with member states, international organizations, and industry stakeholders to address emerging challenges in maritime safety and environmental protection.
- Motto: Successful Voyages, Sustainable Planet.
- Governance: The IALA Council is the key decision-making body of the intergovernmental organization responsible for marine aids to navigation.
- It aims to
- Foster safe, economic and efficient movement of vessels by improving and harmonizing aids to navigation worldwide and by other appropriate means.
- Encourage, support and communicate recent developments; develop international cooperation by promoting close working relationships and assistance among members;
- Enhance mutual exchange of information with organizations representing users of aids to navigation.
- Members: It comprises 200 members, 80 of which are national authorities and 60 are commercial firms. (India has been a member of this organization since 1957).
- Headquarters: Saint-Germain-en-Laye,
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2200943®=3&lang=1
Incorrect
Answer: a
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways virtually inaugurated the 3rd Session of the Council of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) held in Mumbai.
- It was established in 1957 as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
- It officially changed its status from a Non-governmental Organization (NGO) to an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) based on a Convention ratified by 34 States in 2024.
- Its mandate is to harmonise global maritime navigation systems, promote maritime safety initiatives, and collaborate with member states, international organizations, and industry stakeholders to address emerging challenges in maritime safety and environmental protection.
- Motto: Successful Voyages, Sustainable Planet.
- Governance: The IALA Council is the key decision-making body of the intergovernmental organization responsible for marine aids to navigation.
- It aims to
- Foster safe, economic and efficient movement of vessels by improving and harmonizing aids to navigation worldwide and by other appropriate means.
- Encourage, support and communicate recent developments; develop international cooperation by promoting close working relationships and assistance among members;
- Enhance mutual exchange of information with organizations representing users of aids to navigation.
- Members: It comprises 200 members, 80 of which are national authorities and 60 are commercial firms. (India has been a member of this organization since 1957).
- Headquarters: Saint-Germain-en-Laye,
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2200943®=3&lang=1
Last updated on November, 2025
→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.
→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Interview Guidance Programme for expert help to crack your final UPSC stage.
→ UPSC Mains Result 2025 is now out.
→ UPSC Notification 2026 is scheduled to be released on January 14, 2026.
→ UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.
→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.
→ UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.
→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.
→ UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!
→ UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.
→ UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.
→ UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025 are available now.
→ UPSC Mains Question Paper 2025 is out for Essay, GS 1, 2, 3 & GS 4.
→ UPSC Mains Indian Language Question Paper 2025 is now out.
→ UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 is now out.
→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi
UPSC Daily Quiz FAQs
Q1. What is the Daily UPSC Quiz?+
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.
Tags: daily quiz upsc daily quiz upsc quiz
UPSC Daily Quiz 9 December 2025
UPSC Daily Quiz 8 December 2025
UPSC Daily Quiz 6 December 2025
