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 16 February 2026
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Vajiram & Ravi’s Daily UPSC Quiz is designed to help aspirants strengthen their preparation by focusing on current affairs and concepts from the UPSC Syllabus 2026 for both Prelims & Mains. It allows candidates to revise important topics while regularly assessing their understanding and progress. Practicing these quizzes daily can improve accuracy, speed, and problem-solving skills. This consistent practice also enhances confidence in tackling exam-level questions. Overall, it is a valuable tool for both UPSC Prelims preparation and Mains revision.
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Question 1 of 10
1. Question
1 points
Which among the following best describes ‘Leiogalathea samudragiri’, recently seen in the news?
Correct
Answer: d
Explanation:
Researchers recently discovered a new species of squat lobster named Leiogalathea samudragiri off Lakshadweep’s coast.
About Leiogalathea samudragiri:
It is a new species of squat lobster.
It was found living 360 metres below the surface near Minicoy, part of the Lakshadweep archipelago.
The discovery was made during a research cruise as part of India’s ambitious Deep Ocean Mission (Samudrayaan program).
samudragiri possesses smooth, uninterrupted ridges running across the top of its shell, whereas its closest relatives have ridges that are broken or interrupted.
It also features exactly six transverse ridges on the back half of its body.
It lacks a specific spine on its feelers (antennules) that is commonly found in similar species.
It is bright orange in colour.
What are Squat Lobsters?
They are marine crustaceans that resemble small lobsters but are not true lobsters.
They are more closely related to hermit crabs and porcelain crabs.
There are well over 900 species of squat lobsters, and they can be found in nearly every marine environment across most latitudes around the world.
They have small, flat bodies, ranging from 0.7 to 3.5 inches (1.778 to 88.9 mm) in length.
These decapods (ten-footed) have a front pair of legs that are much longer than their bodies that end in a pair of large claws.
The lobsters earned their name by tucking their tails under their thorax, giving their bodies a shorter, more “squat” appearance.
As with many other crustaceans, squat lobsters can use their tail as a paddle to escape backwards very quickly.
Researchers recently discovered a new species of squat lobster named Leiogalathea samudragiri off Lakshadweep’s coast.
About Leiogalathea samudragiri:
It is a new species of squat lobster.
It was found living 360 metres below the surface near Minicoy, part of the Lakshadweep archipelago.
The discovery was made during a research cruise as part of India’s ambitious Deep Ocean Mission (Samudrayaan program).
samudragiri possesses smooth, uninterrupted ridges running across the top of its shell, whereas its closest relatives have ridges that are broken or interrupted.
It also features exactly six transverse ridges on the back half of its body.
It lacks a specific spine on its feelers (antennules) that is commonly found in similar species.
It is bright orange in colour.
What are Squat Lobsters?
They are marine crustaceans that resemble small lobsters but are not true lobsters.
They are more closely related to hermit crabs and porcelain crabs.
There are well over 900 species of squat lobsters, and they can be found in nearly every marine environment across most latitudes around the world.
They have small, flat bodies, ranging from 0.7 to 3.5 inches (1.778 to 88.9 mm) in length.
These decapods (ten-footed) have a front pair of legs that are much longer than their bodies that end in a pair of large claws.
The lobsters earned their name by tucking their tails under their thorax, giving their bodies a shorter, more “squat” appearance.
As with many other crustaceans, squat lobsters can use their tail as a paddle to escape backwards very quickly.
Which one of the following is the best description of ‘Exposome’, that was in the news recently?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
Scientists are launching an ambitious global effort to map the “human exposome” — the lifelong mix of environmental and chemical exposures that drive most diseases.
About Exposome:
It can be defined as the measure of all the exposures of an individual in a lifetime, from conception onward, and how those exposures relate to health.
The International Human Exposome Network (IHEN) defines the exposome as the “integrated compilation of all physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial factors, and their interactions.”
It reveals the accumulated lifetime exposures that determine our health, wellness, and susceptibility to disease.
This is shaped by internal exposures such as individual metabolism or the microbiome, as well as external factors such as air quality.
It also involves social or behavioral decisions that influence nutrition and exercise.
Exposomics is the study of the exposome and relies on the application of internal and external exposure assessment methods.
Internal exposureassessment relies on fields of study such as genomics, metabonomics, lipidomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.Commonalities of these fields include
use of biomarkers to determine exposure, effect of exposure, disease progression, and susceptibility factors
use of technologies that result in large amounts of data and
use of data mining techniques to find statistical associations between exposures, effect of exposures, and other factors such as genetics with disease.
External exposure assessment relies on measuring environmental stressors.
Common approaches include using direct reading instruments, laboratory-based analysis, and survey instruments.
Scientists are launching an ambitious global effort to map the “human exposome” — the lifelong mix of environmental and chemical exposures that drive most diseases.
About Exposome:
It can be defined as the measure of all the exposures of an individual in a lifetime, from conception onward, and how those exposures relate to health.
The International Human Exposome Network (IHEN) defines the exposome as the “integrated compilation of all physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial factors, and their interactions.”
It reveals the accumulated lifetime exposures that determine our health, wellness, and susceptibility to disease.
This is shaped by internal exposures such as individual metabolism or the microbiome, as well as external factors such as air quality.
It also involves social or behavioral decisions that influence nutrition and exercise.
Exposomics is the study of the exposome and relies on the application of internal and external exposure assessment methods.
Internal exposureassessment relies on fields of study such as genomics, metabonomics, lipidomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.Commonalities of these fields include
use of biomarkers to determine exposure, effect of exposure, disease progression, and susceptibility factors
use of technologies that result in large amounts of data and
use of data mining techniques to find statistical associations between exposures, effect of exposures, and other factors such as genetics with disease.
External exposure assessment relies on measuring environmental stressors.
Common approaches include using direct reading instruments, laboratory-based analysis, and survey instruments.
Consider the following statements regarding the Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, recently seen in the news:
It is a large bird of prey native to South and Southeast Asia.
It is classified as ‘Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
A rare and mysterious night bird, the Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, known as the ‘Ghost of the Forest’, was recently caught on camera in Uttarakhand’s Corbett Reserve.
About Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl:
The spot-bellied eagle-owl, also known as the forest eagle-owl, is a large bird of prey with a formidable appearance.
Scientific Name: Ketupa nipalensis
Habitat and Distribution:
It is commonly found in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and parts of Southeast Asia.
It can be found in a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and savannas.
Features:
It is a very large owl. It can be from 50 to 65 cm (20 to 26 in) long. This makes it one of the longest owls in the world.
It also has very long wings. Its wingspan can reach up to 1.7 meters.
The most distinguishing feature is its striking colouration. The upper parts of its body are a rich chocolate brown, speckled with white spots.
The feathers on its wings and tail are barred with alternating shades of brown and white, creating a stunning pattern that helps it blend in with its surroundings.
The underside of the owl is where it gets its name; its belly and breast are a light cream colour, covered in bold black spots.
It is primarily nocturnal.
It is a solitary bird that is territorial and maintains a home range.
A rare and mysterious night bird, the Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, known as the ‘Ghost of the Forest’, was recently caught on camera in Uttarakhand’s Corbett Reserve.
About Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl:
The spot-bellied eagle-owl, also known as the forest eagle-owl, is a large bird of prey with a formidable appearance.
Scientific Name: Ketupa nipalensis
Habitat and Distribution:
It is commonly found in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and parts of Southeast Asia.
It can be found in a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and savannas.
Features:
It is a very large owl. It can be from 50 to 65 cm (20 to 26 in) long. This makes it one of the longest owls in the world.
It also has very long wings. Its wingspan can reach up to 1.7 meters.
The most distinguishing feature is its striking colouration. The upper parts of its body are a rich chocolate brown, speckled with white spots.
The feathers on its wings and tail are barred with alternating shades of brown and white, creating a stunning pattern that helps it blend in with its surroundings.
The underside of the owl is where it gets its name; its belly and breast are a light cream colour, covered in bold black spots.
It is primarily nocturnal.
It is a solitary bird that is territorial and maintains a home range.
Consider the following statements regarding Osteoporosis:
It is a disease in which there is excessive bone growth due to calcium deposition.
People with osteoporosis are much more likely to experience broken bones.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening disease that afflicts tens of millions of people, and much-needed new treatments could be on the way after researchers discovered a key mechanism behind how exercise strengthens bones.
About Osteoporosis:
It is a disease in which your bones become weak and are likely to fracture (break).
People with osteoporosis are much more likely toexperience broken bones (bone fractures).
What Causes Osteoporosis?
Your bones are made of living tissue. To keep them strong, your body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone.
Osteoporosis develops when more bone is broken down than replaced.
You lose bone mass, and changes happen in the structure of your bone tissue. This can happen as you get older.
Other risk factors can also lead to the development of osteoporosis or increase your chance of developing the disease.
Symptoms:
It is called a “silent” disease because it doesn’t usually cause symptoms. You may not even know you have the disease until you break a bone.
This could happen with any bone, but it’s most common in the bones of your hip, vertebrae in the spine, and wrist.
Once your bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you might have signs and symptoms that include:
Back pain, caused by a broken or collapsed bone in the spine.
Loss of height over time.
A stooped posture.
A bone that breaks much more easily than expected.
Treatment: Treatment for osteoporosis may involve:
Making lifestyle changes, such as changing your diet and exercise routine
Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening disease that afflicts tens of millions of people, and much-needed new treatments could be on the way after researchers discovered a key mechanism behind how exercise strengthens bones.
About Osteoporosis:
It is a disease in which your bones become weak and are likely to fracture (break).
People with osteoporosis are much more likely toexperience broken bones (bone fractures).
What Causes Osteoporosis?
Your bones are made of living tissue. To keep them strong, your body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone.
Osteoporosis develops when more bone is broken down than replaced.
You lose bone mass, and changes happen in the structure of your bone tissue. This can happen as you get older.
Other risk factors can also lead to the development of osteoporosis or increase your chance of developing the disease.
Symptoms:
It is called a “silent” disease because it doesn’t usually cause symptoms. You may not even know you have the disease until you break a bone.
This could happen with any bone, but it’s most common in the bones of your hip, vertebrae in the spine, and wrist.
Once your bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you might have signs and symptoms that include:
Back pain, caused by a broken or collapsed bone in the spine.
Loss of height over time.
A stooped posture.
A bone that breaks much more easily than expected.
Treatment: Treatment for osteoporosis may involve:
Making lifestyle changes, such as changing your diet and exercise routine
Piton de la Fournaise volcano, recently in news, is located in:
Correct
Answer: d
Explanation:
The Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Reunion Island erupted for the second time this year.
Location: It occupies the east-southeastern end of French Island La Réunion in the western Indian Ocean.
Type: It is a massive basaltic shield volcano.
It is built on the flank of the larger and older Piton des Neiges volcano whose early activity was basaltic but ended with eruption of differentiated alkaline lavas.
It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
It is in a phase of frequent but short-lived eruptions that start with lava fountains and produce large lava flows.
Status: It is around 500,000 years old and since 2010, it has been a member of the prestigious club of natural treasures listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO.
The Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Reunion Island erupted for the second time this year.
Location: It occupies the east-southeastern end of French Island La Réunion in the western Indian Ocean.
Type: It is a massive basaltic shield volcano.
It is built on the flank of the larger and older Piton des Neiges volcano whose early activity was basaltic but ended with eruption of differentiated alkaline lavas.
It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
It is in a phase of frequent but short-lived eruptions that start with lava fountains and produce large lava flows.
Status: It is around 500,000 years old and since 2010, it has been a member of the prestigious club of natural treasures listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO.
Consider the following statements regarding Bio-based Chemicals:
These are produced by using biological feedstocks like sugarcane, corn and starch.
These are often produced through fermentation or enzymatic processes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
India has prioritised bio-based chemicals and enzymes as a priority area under the Department of Biotechnology’s BioE3 policy.
Bio-based chemicals are industrial chemicals produced using biological feedstocks like sugarcane, corn, starch, or biomass residues.
These are often produced through fermentation or enzymatic processes.
Examples: Organic acids (such as lactic acid), bio-alcohols, solvents, surfactants, and intermediates used in plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Unlike conventional chemicals, for which the largely available supplies are obtained through sources of fossil fuel, bio-based alternatives reflect a sustainable solution.
Ecological Benefits of the Bio-Based Chemicals:
The bio-based industry reduces reliance on fossil fuels by applying renewable feedstocks.
Low production of harmful byproducts: Biobased methods generate much lower amounts of hazardous waste than the conventional petroleum-based methodologies.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: The production of biochemicals generally requires less energy than their corresponding petroleum-based equivalents.
Waste Minimization and Circular Economy: With bio-based chemicals mostly coming from organic waste resources, development of the circular economy will be based on recycling, efficiency in the use of resources.
India has prioritised bio-based chemicals and enzymes as a priority area under the Department of Biotechnology’s BioE3 policy.
Bio-based chemicals are industrial chemicals produced using biological feedstocks like sugarcane, corn, starch, or biomass residues.
These are often produced through fermentation or enzymatic processes.
Examples: Organic acids (such as lactic acid), bio-alcohols, solvents, surfactants, and intermediates used in plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Unlike conventional chemicals, for which the largely available supplies are obtained through sources of fossil fuel, bio-based alternatives reflect a sustainable solution.
Ecological Benefits of the Bio-Based Chemicals:
The bio-based industry reduces reliance on fossil fuels by applying renewable feedstocks.
Low production of harmful byproducts: Biobased methods generate much lower amounts of hazardous waste than the conventional petroleum-based methodologies.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: The production of biochemicals generally requires less energy than their corresponding petroleum-based equivalents.
Waste Minimization and Circular Economy: With bio-based chemicals mostly coming from organic waste resources, development of the circular economy will be based on recycling, efficiency in the use of resources.
Consider the following statements regarding White-bellied Sea Eagle:
It lives primarily in terrestrial habitats near the ocean, especially coasts and islands.
It is only found in the Andaman Island region of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
Recently, the annual nest monitoring survey of the White-bellied Sea Eagle recorded 17 active nesting sites in Kannur and Kasaragod districts during this season.
It is also known as the white-breasted sea eagle, is a large diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
Habitat: It lives primarily in terrestrial habitats near the ocean, especially coasts, islands, and estuaries, but also live in forested areas with access to smaller bodies of water
Distribution: It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Andaman Island, southern China, the Philippines, Wallacea, New Guinea, Australia, and Tasmania, among other countries.
It exhibit sexual dimorphism, with females being slightly larger than males.
Communication: The primary form of communication in white-bellied sea eagles is vocalizations
Diet: They are carnivorous and primarily prey on aquatic animals, especially fish, eels, and crustaceans.
It is an apex predator in coastal ecosystems, is considered an indicator of marine and coastal environmental health.
Recently, the annual nest monitoring survey of the White-bellied Sea Eagle recorded 17 active nesting sites in Kannur and Kasaragod districts during this season.
It is also known as the white-breasted sea eagle, is a large diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
Habitat: It lives primarily in terrestrial habitats near the ocean, especially coasts, islands, and estuaries, but also live in forested areas with access to smaller bodies of water
Distribution: It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Andaman Island, southern China, the Philippines, Wallacea, New Guinea, Australia, and Tasmania, among other countries.
It exhibit sexual dimorphism, with females being slightly larger than males.
Communication: The primary form of communication in white-bellied sea eagles is vocalizations
Diet: They are carnivorous and primarily prey on aquatic animals, especially fish, eels, and crustaceans.
It is an apex predator in coastal ecosystems, is considered an indicator of marine and coastal environmental health.
With reference to African Union, consider the following:
It consists of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent.
It promotes unity, cooperation, and development among African nations.
Its headquarter is located in Kenya.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
Recently, the African Union hosted its annual summit in Ethiopia.
It is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent.
It was officially launched in 2002 and replaced its predecessor, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which was founded in 1963.
Primary Objective: To promote unity, cooperation, and development among African nations while advancing the continent’s interests on the global stage.
Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Governance of African Union:
Assembly: It is the highest decision-making body, consisting of the heads of state and government of member countries.
Executive Council: Made up of foreign affairs ministers, handles policy matters and makes recommendations to the Assembly.
AU Commission: Headquartered in Addis Ababa, is the administrative arm responsible for implementing the decisions of the Assembly and the Executive Council.
The Peace and Security Council: Responsible for maintaining peace and security on the continent.
The AU structure promotes the participation of African citizens and civil society through the Pan-African Parliament and the Economic, Social & Cultural Council (ECOSOCC).
Recently, the African Union hosted its annual summit in Ethiopia.
It is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent.
It was officially launched in 2002 and replaced its predecessor, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which was founded in 1963.
Primary Objective: To promote unity, cooperation, and development among African nations while advancing the continent’s interests on the global stage.
Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Governance of African Union:
Assembly: It is the highest decision-making body, consisting of the heads of state and government of member countries.
Executive Council: Made up of foreign affairs ministers, handles policy matters and makes recommendations to the Assembly.
AU Commission: Headquartered in Addis Ababa, is the administrative arm responsible for implementing the decisions of the Assembly and the Executive Council.
The Peace and Security Council: Responsible for maintaining peace and security on the continent.
The AU structure promotes the participation of African citizens and civil society through the Pan-African Parliament and the Economic, Social & Cultural Council (ECOSOCC).
Consider the following statements regarding Yuva AI for All Initiative:
It is launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
It provides free course related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to all Indians, especially the youth.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched Kaushal Rath under the National AI Literacy programme “Yuva AI for All.”
It is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), under the IndiaAI Mission.
It is a first-of-its-kind free course that introduces the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to all Indians, especially the youth.
It consists of a 4.5-hour self-paced course designed to make students, professionals and other curious learners comfortable with the basics of Artificial intelligence.
Aim: To empower 1 crore (10 million) citizens with foundational AI skills.
Key Features of YUVA AI for ALL Initiative
It’s simple, practical, and filled with real-life Indian examples to make learning relatable and fun.
It is available for free on leading learning platforms – FutureSkills Prime, iGOT Karmayogi, and other popular ed-tech portals.
Every learner who completes the course will get an official certificate from the Government of India.
It’s 100% free and open to everyone
It allows learning at one’s own pace — anytime, anywhere
Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched Kaushal Rath under the National AI Literacy programme “Yuva AI for All.”
It is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), under the IndiaAI Mission.
It is a first-of-its-kind free course that introduces the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to all Indians, especially the youth.
It consists of a 4.5-hour self-paced course designed to make students, professionals and other curious learners comfortable with the basics of Artificial intelligence.
Aim: To empower 1 crore (10 million) citizens with foundational AI skills.
Key Features of YUVA AI for ALL Initiative
It’s simple, practical, and filled with real-life Indian examples to make learning relatable and fun.
It is available for free on leading learning platforms – FutureSkills Prime, iGOT Karmayogi, and other popular ed-tech portals.
Every learner who completes the course will get an official certificate from the Government of India.
It’s 100% free and open to everyone
It allows learning at one’s own pace — anytime, anywhere
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.
Last updated on March, 2026
