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 18 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 ‘Alpheus madhusoodanai’, recently seen in the news?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Researchers recently discovered a new species of pistol shrimp named Alpheus madhusoodanai in the Kochi backwaters.
About Alpheus madhusoodanai:
It is a new species of pistol shrimp, also known as snapping shrimp.
It was discovered from Kochi backwaters, Kerala.
It belongs to the family Alpheidae.
It is the first alpheid shrimp species to be recorded from an estuary in the region.
In local waters, they occur in small numbers and are often caught in stake nets.
It has a burrowing tendency and contributes to the health of mangrove ecosystems by releasing toxic gases trapped in swampy soil.
Consider the following statements regarding Lake Victoria:
It is the largest lake in Africa.
It lies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
Lake Victoria’s waters have turned a haunting green, and scientists say the damage has crossed a dangerous line.
About Lake Victoria:
It is the largest lake in Africa.
It lies mainly in Tanzania and Uganda but also borders Kenya.
It is also called Victoria Nyanza in Kenya, Nalubaale in Uganda, and Ukerewe in Tanzania.
It is crossed by the equator.
After Lake Superior in North America, it is the second-largest freshwater lake on Earth.
The lake’s area is about 69,484 sq.km. which also makes it the world’s largest tropical lake.
This large irregular-shaped lake has a maximum length of 359 km (north-to-south) and a maximum width of 240 km.
Its waters fill a shallow depression in the centre of the great plateau that stretches between the Western and Eastern Rift Valleys.
The Kagera River is the major river that empties into the lake.
It is the chief reservoir of the Nile River.
The lake supports the largest freshwater fishery in the world, producing 1 million tons of fish per year and employing 200,000 people in supporting the livelihoods of 4 million people.
Lake Victoria’s waters have turned a haunting green, and scientists say the damage has crossed a dangerous line.
About Lake Victoria:
It is the largest lake in Africa.
It lies mainly in Tanzania and Uganda but also borders Kenya.
It is also called Victoria Nyanza in Kenya, Nalubaale in Uganda, and Ukerewe in Tanzania.
It is crossed by the equator.
After Lake Superior in North America, it is the second-largest freshwater lake on Earth.
The lake’s area is about 69,484 sq.km. which also makes it the world’s largest tropical lake.
This large irregular-shaped lake has a maximum length of 359 km (north-to-south) and a maximum width of 240 km.
Its waters fill a shallow depression in the centre of the great plateau that stretches between the Western and Eastern Rift Valleys.
The Kagera River is the major river that empties into the lake.
It is the chief reservoir of the Nile River.
The lake supports the largest freshwater fishery in the world, producing 1 million tons of fish per year and employing 200,000 people in supporting the livelihoods of 4 million people.
Consider the following statements regarding the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):
It is the highest decision-making body of the Defence Ministry on procurement.
It is headed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently cleared proposals worth nearly 3.60 lakh crore rupees to enhance the capability of the Armed Forces.
About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):
It is the highest decision-making body of the Defence Ministry on procurement.
The main objective of the DAC is to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the armed forces in terms of capabilities sought and time frame prescribed by optimally utilizing the allocated budgetary resources.
Formation: It was formed after the Group of Minister’s recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System’, in 2001, post-Kargil War (1999).
Composition:
The defence minister is the chairman of DAC.
Its members include Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force.
Functions:
Give in principle approval of a 15-year Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) for defence forces.
Accord of acceptance of necessity to acquisition proposals.
Categorisation of the acquisition proposals relating to ‘Buy’, ‘Buy & Make’, and ‘Make’.
Look into issues relating to single vendor clearance.
Take decisions regarding ‘offset’ provisions in respect of acquisition proposals above Rs 300 crore.
Take decisions regarding the Transfer of Technology under the ‘Buy & Make’ category of acquisition proposals.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently cleared proposals worth nearly 3.60 lakh crore rupees to enhance the capability of the Armed Forces.
About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):
It is the highest decision-making body of the Defence Ministry on procurement.
The main objective of the DAC is to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the armed forces in terms of capabilities sought and time frame prescribed by optimally utilizing the allocated budgetary resources.
Formation: It was formed after the Group of Minister’s recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System’, in 2001, post-Kargil War (1999).
Composition:
The defence minister is the chairman of DAC.
Its members include Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force.
Functions:
Give in principle approval of a 15-year Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) for defence forces.
Accord of acceptance of necessity to acquisition proposals.
Categorisation of the acquisition proposals relating to ‘Buy’, ‘Buy & Make’, and ‘Make’.
Look into issues relating to single vendor clearance.
Take decisions regarding ‘offset’ provisions in respect of acquisition proposals above Rs 300 crore.
Take decisions regarding the Transfer of Technology under the ‘Buy & Make’ category of acquisition proposals.
Consider the following statements regarding the Shahpur Kandi Dam Project, recently seen in the news:
It is a 1 GW run-of-the-river (RoR) hydroelectric project.
It is located on the Ravi River in Punjab.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
India plans to block the surplus water flow from the Ravi River to Pakistan as the delayed Shahpur Kandi dam on the J&K–Punjab border heads for completion.
About Shahpur Kandi Dam Project:
It is located on the Ravi River in Pathankot district, Punjab, downstream from the existing Ranjit Sagar Dam.
The water released by Ranjit Sagar Dam is utilized for generating power from this project.
Declared a national project in 2008, the dam is being built at a cost of Rs 3,394.49 crore, with Punjab contributing 80 percent and the Centre funding the remaining 20 percent.
It is constructed by the irrigation department of the Government of Punjab.
It features a 55.5 m high concrete gravity dam with 206 MW power output and a 7.7 km hydel channel.
The project has the potential to irrigate around 5,000 hectares in Punjab and 32,000 hectares in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sambha and Kathua districts.
The dam will help save any excess Ravi water that used to flow to Pakistan during the rainy season, utilising it for the benefit of the Indian farmers.
India plans to block the surplus water flow from the Ravi River to Pakistan as the delayed Shahpur Kandi dam on the J&K–Punjab border heads for completion.
About Shahpur Kandi Dam Project:
It is located on the Ravi River in Pathankot district, Punjab, downstream from the existing Ranjit Sagar Dam.
The water released by Ranjit Sagar Dam is utilized for generating power from this project.
Declared a national project in 2008, the dam is being built at a cost of Rs 3,394.49 crore, with Punjab contributing 80 percent and the Centre funding the remaining 20 percent.
It is constructed by the irrigation department of the Government of Punjab.
It features a 55.5 m high concrete gravity dam with 206 MW power output and a 7.7 km hydel channel.
The project has the potential to irrigate around 5,000 hectares in Punjab and 32,000 hectares in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sambha and Kathua districts.
The dam will help save any excess Ravi water that used to flow to Pakistan during the rainy season, utilising it for the benefit of the Indian farmers.
Which among the following best describes Charax Spasinou, recently seen in the news?
Correct
Answer: d
Explanation:
Deep in the deserts of Iraq, the lost city of Charax Spasinou has finally been found.
About Charax Spasinou:
It was an ancient port city located at the confluence of the Tigris and Choaspes rivers, near the modern border of Iraq and Iran.
Founded during the Hellenistic period, it was initially established by Alexander the Great.
It was reportedly founded in 324 BCE, just a few years before Alexander’s death.
He might have wanted it to cement control over Mesopotamia at a strategic river junction.
Some sources say it was originally called Alexandria.
The city passed to the Seleucid Empire after Alexander’s death until it was destroyed at some point by flooding.
The city was later rebuilt by Hyspaosines, who became its first king and is recognized for founding the kingdom of Characene with Charax Spasinou as its capital.
Due to its favourable location, Charax became a very important harbour in the Persian Gulf area and a major trading point between Mesopotamia (a region in the Middle East) and India.
The city was home to a succession of local rulers who minted coins from the late second century BC to the third century AD.
Charax’s prominence waned around AD 224–28with the rise of the Sassanian Empire, marking the end of Characene’s political significance.
Deep in the deserts of Iraq, the lost city of Charax Spasinou has finally been found.
About Charax Spasinou:
It was an ancient port city located at the confluence of the Tigris and Choaspes rivers, near the modern border of Iraq and Iran.
Founded during the Hellenistic period, it was initially established by Alexander the Great.
It was reportedly founded in 324 BCE, just a few years before Alexander’s death.
He might have wanted it to cement control over Mesopotamia at a strategic river junction.
Some sources say it was originally called Alexandria.
The city passed to the Seleucid Empire after Alexander’s death until it was destroyed at some point by flooding.
The city was later rebuilt by Hyspaosines, who became its first king and is recognized for founding the kingdom of Characene with Charax Spasinou as its capital.
Due to its favourable location, Charax became a very important harbour in the Persian Gulf area and a major trading point between Mesopotamia (a region in the Middle East) and India.
The city was home to a succession of local rulers who minted coins from the late second century BC to the third century AD.
Charax’s prominence waned around AD 224–28with the rise of the Sassanian Empire, marking the end of Characene’s political significance.
Consider the following statements regarding Tidal Flooding:
It occurs through the combination of winds, offshore storms, and full moon cycles during high tide events.
It was declared as a state specific disaster by the Kerala government.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, Kerala government declared tidal flooding as a state specific disaster.
Tidal flooding, also known as sunny day flooding, king tide flooding, and nuisance flooding, is the temporary flooding of low-lying areas near a coast.
Causes: It occurs through the combination of winds, offshore storms, and full moon cycles during high tide events such as full moons and new moons.
Unlike cyclone-induced storm surges, tidal flooding happens twice in a day and is more severe during full or new moons.
Impact on Kerala Coast: It is a common phenomenon along Kerala’s coastline, where the Arabian Sea level temporarily rises above an identified threshold for a brief period, inundating low-lying coastal areas.
Kerala Government’s decision:
Kerala government declared financial assistance, similar to that provided to victims of natural disasters under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), to victims of floods caused by tidal rise.
This is the first time in the country that a State has declared tidal flooding a State-specific disaster.
Other State-specific disasters in Kerala: Coastal erosion, lightning, strong winds, soil piping, heatwave/sunstroke/sunburn, and human-wildlife conflict as State-specific disasters.
Recently, Kerala government declared tidal flooding as a state specific disaster.
Tidal flooding, also known as sunny day flooding, king tide flooding, and nuisance flooding, is the temporary flooding of low-lying areas near a coast.
Causes: It occurs through the combination of winds, offshore storms, and full moon cycles during high tide events such as full moons and new moons.
Unlike cyclone-induced storm surges, tidal flooding happens twice in a day and is more severe during full or new moons.
Impact on Kerala Coast: It is a common phenomenon along Kerala’s coastline, where the Arabian Sea level temporarily rises above an identified threshold for a brief period, inundating low-lying coastal areas.
Kerala Government’s decision:
Kerala government declared financial assistance, similar to that provided to victims of natural disasters under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), to victims of floods caused by tidal rise.
This is the first time in the country that a State has declared tidal flooding a State-specific disaster.
Other State-specific disasters in Kerala: Coastal erosion, lightning, strong winds, soil piping, heatwave/sunstroke/sunburn, and human-wildlife conflict as State-specific disasters.
Consider the following statements regarding France:
It is located in North Western Europe.
It is bordered by Germany and Poland.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
Recently, India and France renewed the defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years at the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru.
It is a country located in North Western Europe.
Bordering countries: It is bordered by 7 countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Andorra.
Surrounding Water bodies: It is bounded by the Bay of Biscay (North Atlantic Ocean) in the west; by the English Channel in the northwest and by the Mediterranean Sea in the south.
It has 5 overseas regions namely: Guadeloupe, Guyane(French Guiana), La Réunion (Réunion), Martinique and Mayotte.
Capital City: Paris.
Geographical Features of France:
Climate: The climate in mainland France is temperate, with quite significant regional differences.
Major Rivers: Loire (drains into Atlantic ocean ), Seine (drains into English channel).
Major Mountains: Alps (southern France), Jura Mountains (north of Alps), Pyrenees (forms border with Spain).
Recently, India and France renewed the defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years at the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru.
It is a country located in North Western Europe.
Bordering countries: It is bordered by 7 countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Andorra.
Surrounding Water bodies: It is bounded by the Bay of Biscay (North Atlantic Ocean) in the west; by the English Channel in the northwest and by the Mediterranean Sea in the south.
It has 5 overseas regions namely: Guadeloupe, Guyane(French Guiana), La Réunion (Réunion), Martinique and Mayotte.
Capital City: Paris.
Geographical Features of France:
Climate: The climate in mainland France is temperate, with quite significant regional differences.
Major Rivers: Loire (drains into Atlantic ocean ), Seine (drains into English channel).
Major Mountains: Alps (southern France), Jura Mountains (north of Alps), Pyrenees (forms border with Spain).
With reference to Malabar Pied Hornbill, consider the following:
It’s habitat is evergreen and moist deciduous forest region.
It is only found in the Western Ghats region of India.
It is categorized as Near Threatened species under the IUCN Red List.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
The Chhattisgarh Forest Department has started establishing six “hornbill restaurants” in the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) for the rare Malabar Pied Hornbill and to promote natural forest expansion.
The Malabar pied hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus ), also known as lesser pied hornbill, is a bird in the hornbill family.
Appearance: It is a medium-sized forest hornbill with striking black and white plumage and a prominent casque.
Habitat: Its habitat is evergreen and moist deciduous forests, often near human settlements.
Distribution: It is found in the Western Ghats and north-eastern Himalayan foothill regions of India and Nepal, the Satpuda Hills, as well as in Sri Lanka.
Diet: It is Frugivorous but can adapt themselves to an omnivorous diet in the breeding season.
Ecological Role: It is a vital indicator of the forest ecosystem’s health and stability.
Conservation Status:
IUCN: Near Threatened
Threats: The primary threats to this species are habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation.
The Chhattisgarh Forest Department has started establishing six “hornbill restaurants” in the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) for the rare Malabar Pied Hornbill and to promote natural forest expansion.
The Malabar pied hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus ), also known as lesser pied hornbill, is a bird in the hornbill family.
Appearance: It is a medium-sized forest hornbill with striking black and white plumage and a prominent casque.
Habitat: Its habitat is evergreen and moist deciduous forests, often near human settlements.
Distribution: It is found in the Western Ghats and north-eastern Himalayan foothill regions of India and Nepal, the Satpuda Hills, as well as in Sri Lanka.
Diet: It is Frugivorous but can adapt themselves to an omnivorous diet in the breeding season.
Ecological Role: It is a vital indicator of the forest ecosystem’s health and stability.
Conservation Status:
IUCN: Near Threatened
Threats: The primary threats to this species are habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation.
Consider the following statements regarding H-125 Helicopter:
It is a single-engine light utility helicopter.
It can operate efficiently in high mountains as well as hot desert conditions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, the Prime Minister of India and French President Mr Emmanuel Macron inaugurated Final Assembly Line of the Airbus H-125 Light Utility Helicopter, located at Vemagal, Karnataka.
It is a single-engine light utility helicopter from the legendary Ecureuil family.
It is valued for its reliability, low maintenance and adaptability.
The H125 is the only helicopter in history to have landed on the summit of Mount Everest.
Uses: It is used in emergency services, aerial filming, tourism, law enforcement, firefighting, and civil transport.
Features of H-125 Helicopter:
High-Altitude Performance: It can operate efficiently in “hot and high” environments — meaning high mountains or hot desert conditions.
Operational Versatility: It can be reconfigured for multiple roles such as rescue, medical evacuation, firefighting, passenger transport, and aerial work missions.
Simple and Robust Design: Its reliable engine and aerodynamics make it easier to maintain and operate in varied conditions.
High Cruise Speed and Range: With speeds up to around 252 km/h and a range of approximately 662 km, it’s capable of covering long distances without compromising performance.
Recently, the Prime Minister of India and French President Mr Emmanuel Macron inaugurated Final Assembly Line of the Airbus H-125 Light Utility Helicopter, located at Vemagal, Karnataka.
It is a single-engine light utility helicopter from the legendary Ecureuil family.
It is valued for its reliability, low maintenance and adaptability.
The H125 is the only helicopter in history to have landed on the summit of Mount Everest.
Uses: It is used in emergency services, aerial filming, tourism, law enforcement, firefighting, and civil transport.
Features of H-125 Helicopter:
High-Altitude Performance: It can operate efficiently in “hot and high” environments — meaning high mountains or hot desert conditions.
Operational Versatility: It can be reconfigured for multiple roles such as rescue, medical evacuation, firefighting, passenger transport, and aerial work missions.
Simple and Robust Design: Its reliable engine and aerodynamics make it easier to maintain and operate in varied conditions.
High Cruise Speed and Range: With speeds up to around 252 km/h and a range of approximately 662 km, it’s capable of covering long distances without compromising performance.
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
