UPSC Daily Quiz 13 March 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 pointsWhich among the following best describes peptides?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
Globally, peptide therapeutics have been gaining attention in research as well as clinical practice.
About Peptides:
Peptides are chains of amino acids that are naturally found in the body.
The amino acids in a peptide are connected to one another in a sequence by bonds called peptide bonds.
Peptides vs. Proteins:
Proteins and peptides are fundamental components of cells that carry out important biological functions.
Both proteins and peptides are made up of amino acids, but peptides contain far fewer amino acids than proteins.
Traditionally, peptides are defined as molecules that consist of between 2 and 50 amino acids.
Meanwhile, proteins are long molecules made up of multiple peptide subunits, and are also known as polypeptides.
In addition, peptides tend to be less well defined in structure than proteins, which can adopt complex conformations known as secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.
Proteins can be digested by enzymes (other proteins) into short peptide fragments.
Functions of Peptides:
The body makes lots of different peptides, each of which has a different role.
They may provide pro-aging support, anti-inflammatory, or muscle-building properties.
Some peptides act as hormones, which are molecules that when released from cells, affect other areas of the body.
Due to the potential health benefits of peptides, many supplements are available that contain peptides that manufacturers have derived either from food or made synthetically.
Hence option b is the correct answer.
Incorrect
Answer: b
Explanation:
Globally, peptide therapeutics have been gaining attention in research as well as clinical practice.
About Peptides:
Peptides are chains of amino acids that are naturally found in the body.
The amino acids in a peptide are connected to one another in a sequence by bonds called peptide bonds.
Peptides vs. Proteins:
Proteins and peptides are fundamental components of cells that carry out important biological functions.
Both proteins and peptides are made up of amino acids, but peptides contain far fewer amino acids than proteins.
Traditionally, peptides are defined as molecules that consist of between 2 and 50 amino acids.
Meanwhile, proteins are long molecules made up of multiple peptide subunits, and are also known as polypeptides.
In addition, peptides tend to be less well defined in structure than proteins, which can adopt complex conformations known as secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.
Proteins can be digested by enzymes (other proteins) into short peptide fragments.
Functions of Peptides:
The body makes lots of different peptides, each of which has a different role.
They may provide pro-aging support, anti-inflammatory, or muscle-building properties.
Some peptides act as hormones, which are molecules that when released from cells, affect other areas of the body.
Due to the potential health benefits of peptides, many supplements are available that contain peptides that manufacturers have derived either from food or made synthetically.
Hence option b is the correct answer.
-
Question 2 of 10
2. Question
1 pointsWhich one of the following is the best description of ‘Type 002’, that was in the news recently?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
A rare parasitic wasp Chelonus (Carinichelonus) mahadeb named has been recently recorded from a tea estate in Assam.
About Chelonus (Carinichelonus) mahadeb:
It is a new species of parasitic wasp.
It was discovered from Nahortoli Tea Estate in Assam.
Parasitic wasps of the genus Chelonus are tiny insects but play an important ecological role.
They are known as egg–larval parasitoids, meaning they lay their eggs inside the eggs of other insects, usually moths and butterflies.
The developing wasp larva eventually consumes the host, helping regulate insect populations naturally.
Because many moth larvae are major agricultural pests, species of Chelonus are often considered beneficial insects that contribute to natural pest control in crop ecosystems, including plantations.
The discovery is notable because the subgenus Carinichelonus is extremely rare and poorly documented worldwide.
It is only the second new species of this subgenus described from India in recent times.
Hence option c is the correct answer.
News: https://eastmojo.com/free-digest/2026/03/12/new-parasitic-wasp-species-discovered-in-assam-tea-estate/
Incorrect
Answer: c
Explanation:
A rare parasitic wasp Chelonus (Carinichelonus) mahadeb named has been recently recorded from a tea estate in Assam.
About Chelonus (Carinichelonus) mahadeb:
It is a new species of parasitic wasp.
It was discovered from Nahortoli Tea Estate in Assam.
Parasitic wasps of the genus Chelonus are tiny insects but play an important ecological role.
They are known as egg–larval parasitoids, meaning they lay their eggs inside the eggs of other insects, usually moths and butterflies.
The developing wasp larva eventually consumes the host, helping regulate insect populations naturally.
Because many moth larvae are major agricultural pests, species of Chelonus are often considered beneficial insects that contribute to natural pest control in crop ecosystems, including plantations.
The discovery is notable because the subgenus Carinichelonus is extremely rare and poorly documented worldwide.
It is only the second new species of this subgenus described from India in recent times.
Hence option c is the correct answer.
News: https://eastmojo.com/free-digest/2026/03/12/new-parasitic-wasp-species-discovered-in-assam-tea-estate/
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Question 3 of 10
3. Question
1 pointsThe Beas River flows through which of the following Indian states?
- Himachal Pradesh
- Punjab
- Uttarakhand
Select the correct answer using the code below:
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
Four people drowned in the Beas River in the Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, recently.
About Beas River:
It is a river passing through the northern Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
It is one of the five rivers that give Punjab (“Five Rivers”) its name.
It was known as Vipas in the past, meaning the “Unfettered” river.
The Beas River was the approximate eastern limit of Alexander the Great’s invasion of India in 326 BCE.
Course:
The river originates in the Rohtang Pass of the Himalayas in central Himachal Pradesh at a height of 13,050 feet.
From there it flows south through the Kullu Valley, receiving tributaries from the flanking mountains, and then turns west to flow past Mandi into the Kangra Valley.
After crossing the valley, the Beas enters Punjab state and veers south and then southwest to its confluence with the Sutlej River at Harike.
The total length of the river is 470 km.
The Beas catchment is under the influence of western disturbances that bring snowfall to the upper sub-catchment during winter, and the monsoon provides around 70% of the annual rainfall during June – September.
Major Tributaries: Bain, Banganga, Luni, and Uhal, along with Banner, Chakki, Gaj, Harla, Mamuni, Parvati, Patlikuhlal, Sainj, Suketi, and Tirthan.
Dams: The Pong Dam, also known as the Beas Dam, is an earth-fill embankment dam constructed on the river Beas in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
Hence option b is the correct answer.
News: https://thenewsmill.com/2026/03/four-drown-in-beas-river-in-himachal-three-rescued-search-continues-for-fourth/
Incorrect
Answer: b
Explanation:
Four people drowned in the Beas River in the Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, recently.
About Beas River:
It is a river passing through the northern Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
It is one of the five rivers that give Punjab (“Five Rivers”) its name.
It was known as Vipas in the past, meaning the “Unfettered” river.
The Beas River was the approximate eastern limit of Alexander the Great’s invasion of India in 326 BCE.
Course:
The river originates in the Rohtang Pass of the Himalayas in central Himachal Pradesh at a height of 13,050 feet.
From there it flows south through the Kullu Valley, receiving tributaries from the flanking mountains, and then turns west to flow past Mandi into the Kangra Valley.
After crossing the valley, the Beas enters Punjab state and veers south and then southwest to its confluence with the Sutlej River at Harike.
The total length of the river is 470 km.
The Beas catchment is under the influence of western disturbances that bring snowfall to the upper sub-catchment during winter, and the monsoon provides around 70% of the annual rainfall during June – September.
Major Tributaries: Bain, Banganga, Luni, and Uhal, along with Banner, Chakki, Gaj, Harla, Mamuni, Parvati, Patlikuhlal, Sainj, Suketi, and Tirthan.
Dams: The Pong Dam, also known as the Beas Dam, is an earth-fill embankment dam constructed on the river Beas in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
Hence option b is the correct answer.
News: https://thenewsmill.com/2026/03/four-drown-in-beas-river-in-himachal-three-rescued-search-continues-for-fourth/
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Question 4 of 10
4. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):
- It is the world’s leading intergovernmental organisation for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field.
- It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
Amid growing concerns over nuclear non-proliferation, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency held talks with the head of Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation recently.
About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):
It is the world’s leading intergovernmental organisation for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field.
The Agency’s genesis was U.S. President Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” address to the General Assembly of the United Nations on 8 December 1953.
The IAEA Statute was approved on 23 October 1956 and came into force on 29 July 1957.
The IAEA is an autonomous organization within the United Nations system.
It reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and the UN Security Council.
Its primary goal is to ensure that nuclear energy is not diverted for weapons purposes.
The IAEA works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
It is widely known as the world’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” organization.
Member Countries: The agency currently has 180 member states, reflecting its wide international mandate and credibility.
Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
Institutional Structure:
General Conference: The General Conference, composed of all member states, meets annually to approve budgets and set general policy directions.
Board of Governors: The Board of Governors, comprising 35 members, meets about five times a year to: approve safeguards agreements, carry out statutory functions, and appoint the Director General.
Secretariat: The Secretariat, led by the Director General, handles the IAEA’s daily operations.
Functions:
Promoting Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy: The IAEA encourages the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, emphasizing sustainability and safety.
Safety and Security: The agency establishes safety standards and provides assistance to ensure that nuclear operations are conducted safely and securely.
Verification: The IAEA conducts inspections and monitoring to verify compliance with nuclear non-proliferation agreements.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
Incorrect
Answer: a
Explanation:
Amid growing concerns over nuclear non-proliferation, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency held talks with the head of Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation recently.
About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):
It is the world’s leading intergovernmental organisation for scientific and technical cooperation in the nuclear field.
The Agency’s genesis was U.S. President Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” address to the General Assembly of the United Nations on 8 December 1953.
The IAEA Statute was approved on 23 October 1956 and came into force on 29 July 1957.
The IAEA is an autonomous organization within the United Nations system.
It reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and the UN Security Council.
Its primary goal is to ensure that nuclear energy is not diverted for weapons purposes.
The IAEA works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
It is widely known as the world’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” organization.
Member Countries: The agency currently has 180 member states, reflecting its wide international mandate and credibility.
Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
Institutional Structure:
General Conference: The General Conference, composed of all member states, meets annually to approve budgets and set general policy directions.
Board of Governors: The Board of Governors, comprising 35 members, meets about five times a year to: approve safeguards agreements, carry out statutory functions, and appoint the Director General.
Secretariat: The Secretariat, led by the Director General, handles the IAEA’s daily operations.
Functions:
Promoting Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy: The IAEA encourages the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, emphasizing sustainability and safety.
Safety and Security: The agency establishes safety standards and provides assistance to ensure that nuclear operations are conducted safely and securely.
Verification: The IAEA conducts inspections and monitoring to verify compliance with nuclear non-proliferation agreements.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
-
Question 5 of 10
5. Question
1 pointsThe primary objective of the Van Allen Probes mission, recently seen in the news, was to study:
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
NASA’s 600 kg Van Allen Probe A satellite is falling back to Earth, raising questions about whether people on the ground should be concerned.
About Van Allen Probe A:
NASA’s Van Allen Probes mission was the first mission to use two spacecraft in tandem to study Earth’s radiation belts.
Originally designed for a two-year mission, the Van Allen Probes A and B launched on Aug. 30, 2012, and gathered unprecedented data on Earth’s two permanent radiation belts — named for scientist James Van Allen — for almost seven years.
From 2012 to 2019, the spacecraft and its twin, Van Allen Probe B, flew through the Van Allen belts, rings of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field, to understand how particles were gained and lost.
The belts shield Earth from cosmic radiation, solar storms, and the constantly streaming solar wind that are harmful to humans and can damage technology, so understanding them is important.
By having two spacecraft with identical instruments, with one followed by the other along nearly the same path, researchers could measure changes that occur in Earth’s radiation belts over time and through space, providing insights into the physical dynamics of the radiation belts and changes that occur in this critical region of space.
NASA ended the mission after the two spacecraft ran out of fuel and were no longer able to orient themselves toward the Sun.
Hence option c is the correct answer.
Incorrect
Answer: c
Explanation:
NASA’s 600 kg Van Allen Probe A satellite is falling back to Earth, raising questions about whether people on the ground should be concerned.
About Van Allen Probe A:
NASA’s Van Allen Probes mission was the first mission to use two spacecraft in tandem to study Earth’s radiation belts.
Originally designed for a two-year mission, the Van Allen Probes A and B launched on Aug. 30, 2012, and gathered unprecedented data on Earth’s two permanent radiation belts — named for scientist James Van Allen — for almost seven years.
From 2012 to 2019, the spacecraft and its twin, Van Allen Probe B, flew through the Van Allen belts, rings of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field, to understand how particles were gained and lost.
The belts shield Earth from cosmic radiation, solar storms, and the constantly streaming solar wind that are harmful to humans and can damage technology, so understanding them is important.
By having two spacecraft with identical instruments, with one followed by the other along nearly the same path, researchers could measure changes that occur in Earth’s radiation belts over time and through space, providing insights into the physical dynamics of the radiation belts and changes that occur in this critical region of space.
NASA ended the mission after the two spacecraft ran out of fuel and were no longer able to orient themselves toward the Sun.
Hence option c is the correct answer.
-
Question 6 of 10
6. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding National Shipping Board:
- It is a permanent statutory body established under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
- It operates under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, the government of India held a high-level interaction with National Shipping Board (NSB) to address sectoral challenges amid global maritime uncertainty.
- It is a permanent statutory body established in 1959, under Section 4 of Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
- Function: It advise the Govt. of India on matters related to shipping including the development.
- It has played a very distinguished role in the Maritime development of the country, as its deliberation and recommendations have contributed to the evolution of a sound and pragmatic National Maritime Policy over the years.
- Composition:
- It consists of Chairman and Members.
- Six Members elected by Parliament (Four from the Lok Sabha and two from Rajya Sabha from amongst its Members).
- Tenure: The Chairman and other members of the Board held office for a period of two years.
- Such Members of other members not exceeding sixteen as the Central Government may think fit to appoint on the Board to represent the Central Government, Ship-owners, and Seamen.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2238455®=3&lang=2
Incorrect
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, the government of India held a high-level interaction with National Shipping Board (NSB) to address sectoral challenges amid global maritime uncertainty.
- It is a permanent statutory body established in 1959, under Section 4 of Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
- Function: It advise the Govt. of India on matters related to shipping including the development.
- It has played a very distinguished role in the Maritime development of the country, as its deliberation and recommendations have contributed to the evolution of a sound and pragmatic National Maritime Policy over the years.
- Composition:
- It consists of Chairman and Members.
- Six Members elected by Parliament (Four from the Lok Sabha and two from Rajya Sabha from amongst its Members).
- Tenure: The Chairman and other members of the Board held office for a period of two years.
- Such Members of other members not exceeding sixteen as the Central Government may think fit to appoint on the Board to represent the Central Government, Ship-owners, and Seamen.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2238455®=3&lang=2
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Question 7 of 10
7. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding Kurumba Painting:
- It was traditionally drawn on rocks and in caves across the high hills of the Nilgiris.
- Its theme mainly includes spiritual beliefs, rituals, festivals, and daily activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, it was observed that the Kurumba art form is facing the threat of extinction.
- It is a prehistoric art form, estimated to be over 3000 years old.
- It originates from the Kurumba tribe in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
- The art was traditionally drawn on rocks and in caves across the high hills of the Nilgiris.
- Raw Materials and Tools Used:
- Kurumba paintings use natural pigments sourced from the forest.
- Yellow-brown and black pigments come from Vengai tree resin, while green pigments are derived from crushed leaves.
- Artists use fine twigs, bamboo sticks, and natural fiber brushes for application.
- Design and Color:
- Kurumba tribal paintings use natural colors—green from leaves, red and white from soil, and black from tree bark—applied with cloth on cow dung-coated walls.
- The art features simple, linear motifs with dots, lines, and geometric shapes, depicting huts, animals, and community life.
- Themes center around spiritual beliefs, rituals, festivals, and daily activities.
- This minimalist yet expressive style preserves the tribe’s cultural heritage and reflects their deep spiritual bond with nature.
- Product Range: Wall murals, decorative panels, ritual paintings, cloth artworks.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kurumba-artists-tradition-kotagiri-tamil-nadu-10577004/
Incorrect
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, it was observed that the Kurumba art form is facing the threat of extinction.
- It is a prehistoric art form, estimated to be over 3000 years old.
- It originates from the Kurumba tribe in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
- The art was traditionally drawn on rocks and in caves across the high hills of the Nilgiris.
- Raw Materials and Tools Used:
- Kurumba paintings use natural pigments sourced from the forest.
- Yellow-brown and black pigments come from Vengai tree resin, while green pigments are derived from crushed leaves.
- Artists use fine twigs, bamboo sticks, and natural fiber brushes for application.
- Design and Color:
- Kurumba tribal paintings use natural colors—green from leaves, red and white from soil, and black from tree bark—applied with cloth on cow dung-coated walls.
- The art features simple, linear motifs with dots, lines, and geometric shapes, depicting huts, animals, and community life.
- Themes center around spiritual beliefs, rituals, festivals, and daily activities.
- This minimalist yet expressive style preserves the tribe’s cultural heritage and reflects their deep spiritual bond with nature.
- Product Range: Wall murals, decorative panels, ritual paintings, cloth artworks.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kurumba-artists-tradition-kotagiri-tamil-nadu-10577004/
-
Question 8 of 10
8. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding Cobalt:
- It is a hard, lustrous, silver-grey metal.
- It is only found in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
According to a new report, the world’s largest cobalt producing company has caused serious environmental and public health damage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- It is a hard, lustrous, silver-grey metal.
- Properties:
- It is a ferromagnetic strategic alloying metal.
- It is a chemical element with the symbol Co and atomic no.27.
- It is associated mostly with copper, nickel and arsenic ores.
- Cobalt is extracted as a by-product of copper, nickel, zinc or precious metals.
- Major World reserves of cobalt: Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia, Canada, Philippines and Cuba.
- Occurrences of cobalt in India: Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, Nagaland and Madhya Pradesh.
- Applications:
- Major use of cobalt is in metallurgical applications, in Special alloy/Superalloy Industry, in magnets and cutting tools industries.
- Cobalt is used as precursors (cobalt compounds) for cathodes in rechargeable batteries.
- It is also used in powerful magnets, cutting tools and high-strength alloys in the aerospace, energy and defence sectors.
- Cobalt compounds have been used since antiquity as a pigment (cobalt-blue) for pottery, glass, paints and other media.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
News: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/cobalt-mining-in-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-polluting-air-and-displacing-communities-report
Incorrect
Answer: a
Explanation:
According to a new report, the world’s largest cobalt producing company has caused serious environmental and public health damage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- It is a hard, lustrous, silver-grey metal.
- Properties:
- It is a ferromagnetic strategic alloying metal.
- It is a chemical element with the symbol Co and atomic no.27.
- It is associated mostly with copper, nickel and arsenic ores.
- Cobalt is extracted as a by-product of copper, nickel, zinc or precious metals.
- Major World reserves of cobalt: Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia, Canada, Philippines and Cuba.
- Occurrences of cobalt in India: Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, Nagaland and Madhya Pradesh.
- Applications:
- Major use of cobalt is in metallurgical applications, in Special alloy/Superalloy Industry, in magnets and cutting tools industries.
- Cobalt is used as precursors (cobalt compounds) for cathodes in rechargeable batteries.
- It is also used in powerful magnets, cutting tools and high-strength alloys in the aerospace, energy and defence sectors.
- Cobalt compounds have been used since antiquity as a pigment (cobalt-blue) for pottery, glass, paints and other media.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
News: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/africa/cobalt-mining-in-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-polluting-air-and-displacing-communities-report
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Question 9 of 10
9. Question
1 pointsWith reference to Spotted Hyena, consider the following:
- It inhabits in savannas and dense dry woodland region.
- It follows a matriarchal social order where one alpha female leads the clan.
- It is categorized as critically endangered species under the IUCN Red List.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
According to a new study the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) has emerged as an unlikely ‘eco-warrior’ in Ethiopia’s second-largest city Mekelle.
- It is also called the laughing hyena.
- It is a strong and capable hunter and the largest member of the hyena family.
- It looks like a dog but is closer related to cats, civets, and genets.
- Appearance: It is physically distinguished from other species by its vaguely bear-like build, rounded ears, less prominent mane, spotted pelt, more dual-purposed dentition, fewer nipples, and pseudo-penis.
- Habitat: It inhabits in savannas, open and dense dry woodland, grasslands, mountains, tropical rainforests, semi-deserts, and coastal areas.
- Distribution: It is mainly found throughout sub-Saharan Africa (Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Angola, Namibia, and parts of South Africa),
- Characteristics of Spotted Hyena:
- They have excellent night vision, being mostly nocturnal, hunting at night, and sleeping or staying near their den in the daytime.
- They have a matriarchal social order of related individuals that are called clans. One alpha female leads the clan.
- These animals mark their territory by scratching the ground and with an oily substance that they secrete from their anal glands.
- Diet: These are carnivorous animals that hunt and scavenge.
- It is the only placental mammalian species where females have a pseudo-penis and lack an external vaginal opening.
- Conservation status
- IUCN: Least Concern.
Hence only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
News: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/the-spotted-hyenas-of-mekelle-meet-the-accidental-eco-warriors-of-ethiopias-second-largest-city
Incorrect
Answer: b
Explanation:
According to a new study the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) has emerged as an unlikely ‘eco-warrior’ in Ethiopia’s second-largest city Mekelle.
- It is also called the laughing hyena.
- It is a strong and capable hunter and the largest member of the hyena family.
- It looks like a dog but is closer related to cats, civets, and genets.
- Appearance: It is physically distinguished from other species by its vaguely bear-like build, rounded ears, less prominent mane, spotted pelt, more dual-purposed dentition, fewer nipples, and pseudo-penis.
- Habitat: It inhabits in savannas, open and dense dry woodland, grasslands, mountains, tropical rainforests, semi-deserts, and coastal areas.
- Distribution: It is mainly found throughout sub-Saharan Africa (Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Angola, Namibia, and parts of South Africa),
- Characteristics of Spotted Hyena:
- They have excellent night vision, being mostly nocturnal, hunting at night, and sleeping or staying near their den in the daytime.
- They have a matriarchal social order of related individuals that are called clans. One alpha female leads the clan.
- These animals mark their territory by scratching the ground and with an oily substance that they secrete from their anal glands.
- Diet: These are carnivorous animals that hunt and scavenge.
- It is the only placental mammalian species where females have a pseudo-penis and lack an external vaginal opening.
- Conservation status
- IUCN: Least Concern.
Hence only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
News: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/the-spotted-hyenas-of-mekelle-meet-the-accidental-eco-warriors-of-ethiopias-second-largest-city
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Question 10 of 10
10. Question
1 pointsNevado Ojos del Salado, recently in news is located between:
Correct
Answer: d
Explanation:
Recently, a professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has summited the Nevado Ojos del Salado.
- Location: It is located in the Andes Mountain Rangeon the boundary between Chile and Argentina.
- It is also the highest mountain (6,893 meters) in Chile.
- Features OF Nevado Ojos del Salado:
- It is the world’s highest active stratovolcano.
- It was largely formed from the accumulation of lava flows and explosive volcanic material.
- Climate: The Mountain’s climate is high desert. Day and night temperatures vary widely, with an average maximum of 18°C and an average minimum of -10°C.
- The upper part of the mountain features a set of craters and elongated volcanic peaks.
- Due to its location near the Atacama Desert, the mountain has very dry conditions with snow usually only remaining on the peak during winter.
- There is a permanent crater lake about 100 m (330 ft) in diameter at an elevation of 6,390 m (20,960 ft) on the eastern side of the mountain.
Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/iisc-professor-becomes-second-indian-woman-to-summit-worlds-highest-volcanic-peak/article70727407.ece
Incorrect
Answer: d
Explanation:
Recently, a professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has summited the Nevado Ojos del Salado.
- Location: It is located in the Andes Mountain Rangeon the boundary between Chile and Argentina.
- It is also the highest mountain (6,893 meters) in Chile.
- Features OF Nevado Ojos del Salado:
- It is the world’s highest active stratovolcano.
- It was largely formed from the accumulation of lava flows and explosive volcanic material.
- Climate: The Mountain’s climate is high desert. Day and night temperatures vary widely, with an average maximum of 18°C and an average minimum of -10°C.
- The upper part of the mountain features a set of craters and elongated volcanic peaks.
- Due to its location near the Atacama Desert, the mountain has very dry conditions with snow usually only remaining on the peak during winter.
- There is a permanent crater lake about 100 m (330 ft) in diameter at an elevation of 6,390 m (20,960 ft) on the eastern side of the mountain.
Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/iisc-professor-becomes-second-indian-woman-to-summit-worlds-highest-volcanic-peak/article70727407.ece
Last updated on March, 2026
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