UPSC Daily Quiz 17 January 2026
Quiz-summary
0 of 10 questions completed
Questions:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
Information
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.
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 pointsConsider the following statements regarding the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), recently seen in the news:
- It is an independent group and has no formal affiliation with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
- Since its inception, India has provided CSPOC with a secretariat to support its activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi, highlighting India’s commitment to sharing open-source tech platforms with the Global South.
About Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC):
It brings together the Speakers and Presiding Officers of the national parliaments of the independent sovereign states of the Commonwealth.
It was created in 1969 as an initiative of the then Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, Lucien Lamoureux.
Since its inception, Canada has provided CSPOC with a secretariat to support its activities.
The Conference is an independent group and has no formal affiliation with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the Commonwealth Secretariat, or the Commonwealth Heads of Government.
CSPOC operates on a two-year cycle, holding a conference of the full membership every two years, usually early in January, and a meeting of the Standing Committee at the same time the intervening year.
The Conference aims to:
Maintain, foster, and encourage impartiality and fairness on the part of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments;
Promote knowledge and understanding of parliamentary democracy in its various forms; and
Develop parliamentary institutions
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
News: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/pm-modi-inaugurates-28th-conference-of-speakers-and-presiding-officers-of-the-commonwealth-heres-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/126538745.cms?from=mdr
Incorrect
Answer: a
Explanation:
The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi, highlighting India’s commitment to sharing open-source tech platforms with the Global South.
About Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC):
It brings together the Speakers and Presiding Officers of the national parliaments of the independent sovereign states of the Commonwealth.
It was created in 1969 as an initiative of the then Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, Lucien Lamoureux.
Since its inception, Canada has provided CSPOC with a secretariat to support its activities.
The Conference is an independent group and has no formal affiliation with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the Commonwealth Secretariat, or the Commonwealth Heads of Government.
CSPOC operates on a two-year cycle, holding a conference of the full membership every two years, usually early in January, and a meeting of the Standing Committee at the same time the intervening year.
The Conference aims to:
Maintain, foster, and encourage impartiality and fairness on the part of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments;
Promote knowledge and understanding of parliamentary democracy in its various forms; and
Develop parliamentary institutions
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
News: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/pm-modi-inaugurates-28th-conference-of-speakers-and-presiding-officers-of-the-commonwealth-heres-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/126538745.cms?from=mdr
-
Question 2 of 10
2. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding Gegeneophis valmiki, recently seen in the news:
- It is a new species of flowering plant.
- It was discovered in the Western Ghats.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
Indian scientists recently discovered a rare subterranean amphibian species in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra and named it Gegeneophis valmiki.
About Gegeneophis valmiki:
It is a rare, subterranean amphibian species, discovered in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra.
The name Gegeneophis valmiki honors the historic Maharshi Valmiki Mandir located near the discovery site.
It belongs to the genus Gegeneophis, commonly called blind caecilians.
Caecilians, often called “hidden amphibians”, are limbless, worm-like creatures that spend most of their lives underground.
They look and move so much like earthworms.
They do not croak or call like frogs, and their eyes are buried beneath layers of skin and bone, making field identification exceptionally difficult.
Beyond rarity, caecilians play an important ecological role.
Their burrowing improves soil aeration and structure, their feeding helps regulate soil invertebrates, and they form part of the food web for birds, reptiles and small mammals.
They also represent a key evolutionary link between aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates.
Globally, caecilians account for just 231 of the world’s 8,983 known amphibian species.
India records 42 caecilian species among its 457 amphibians.
The Western Ghats alone are home to 26 endemic caecilians, with 11 belonging to the Gegeneophis group.
Gegeneophis valmiki is the first addition to its genus in more than a decade.
Hence only statement 2 is correct.
Incorrect
Answer: b
Explanation:
Indian scientists recently discovered a rare subterranean amphibian species in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra and named it Gegeneophis valmiki.
About Gegeneophis valmiki:
It is a rare, subterranean amphibian species, discovered in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra.
The name Gegeneophis valmiki honors the historic Maharshi Valmiki Mandir located near the discovery site.
It belongs to the genus Gegeneophis, commonly called blind caecilians.
Caecilians, often called “hidden amphibians”, are limbless, worm-like creatures that spend most of their lives underground.
They look and move so much like earthworms.
They do not croak or call like frogs, and their eyes are buried beneath layers of skin and bone, making field identification exceptionally difficult.
Beyond rarity, caecilians play an important ecological role.
Their burrowing improves soil aeration and structure, their feeding helps regulate soil invertebrates, and they form part of the food web for birds, reptiles and small mammals.
They also represent a key evolutionary link between aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates.
Globally, caecilians account for just 231 of the world’s 8,983 known amphibian species.
India records 42 caecilian species among its 457 amphibians.
The Western Ghats alone are home to 26 endemic caecilians, with 11 belonging to the Gegeneophis group.
Gegeneophis valmiki is the first addition to its genus in more than a decade.
Hence only statement 2 is correct.
-
Question 3 of 10
3. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding the Dardanelles Strait:
- It is a narrow waterway located in northwestern Turkey.
- It connects the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
Southbound ship traffic is set to resume in Turkey’s Dardanelles Strait after a tanker experienced engine failure recently.
About Dardanelles Strait:
It is a very important narrow waterway in northwestern Turkey.
It connects the Aegean Sea (an arm of the Mediterranean Sea) to the Sea of Marmara.
This strait acts like a natural border, separating the continent of Asia on its eastern side from Europe on its western side.
The strait is named for the ancient city of Dardanus. In ancient times it was called the Hellespont, meaning “Helle’s sea,” in memory of Helle, a mythical princess.
The Gallipoli Peninsula lies along the western side of the Dardanelles Strait.
It is one of the narrowest straits used for international navigation. It is about 61 kilometers long and only 1.2 to 6 kilometers wide.
It is entirely within Turkey. It forms a key part of the Turkish Straits, which also include the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara.
The Bosporus connects the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea.
These waterways are the only sea route between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
It is a vital shipping lane for countries around the Black Sea, like Russia and Ukraine.
Their ships must pass through the Dardanelles to reach the Mediterranean Sea and the rest of the world’s oceans.
Major ports along its shores include Gallipoli, Eceabat, and Çanakkale, all in Turkey.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
Incorrect
Answer: a
Explanation:
Southbound ship traffic is set to resume in Turkey’s Dardanelles Strait after a tanker experienced engine failure recently.
About Dardanelles Strait:
It is a very important narrow waterway in northwestern Turkey.
It connects the Aegean Sea (an arm of the Mediterranean Sea) to the Sea of Marmara.
This strait acts like a natural border, separating the continent of Asia on its eastern side from Europe on its western side.
The strait is named for the ancient city of Dardanus. In ancient times it was called the Hellespont, meaning “Helle’s sea,” in memory of Helle, a mythical princess.
The Gallipoli Peninsula lies along the western side of the Dardanelles Strait.
It is one of the narrowest straits used for international navigation. It is about 61 kilometers long and only 1.2 to 6 kilometers wide.
It is entirely within Turkey. It forms a key part of the Turkish Straits, which also include the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara.
The Bosporus connects the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea.
These waterways are the only sea route between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
It is a vital shipping lane for countries around the Black Sea, like Russia and Ukraine.
Their ships must pass through the Dardanelles to reach the Mediterranean Sea and the rest of the world’s oceans.
Major ports along its shores include Gallipoli, Eceabat, and Çanakkale, all in Turkey.
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
-
Question 4 of 10
4. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding Vitamin A:
- It is a fat-soluble vitamin.
- It promotes good eyesight, especially in low light.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Researchers recently uncovered new ways a vitamin A-derived molecule can interfere with the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.
About Vitamin A:
It is a fat-soluble vitamin primarily stored in the liver.
There are two types of vitamin A that are found in the diet.
Preformed vitamin A is found in animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, and dairy foods.
Precursors to vitamin A, also known as provitamin A, are found in plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables.
These compounds are converted to the active form in your body.
The most common type of provitamin A is beta-carotene.
Foods with the highest levels of vitamin A include:
Beef liver and other organ meats
Some types of fish such as herring and salmon and cod fish oil
Eggs
Dairy products such as cheese and fortified milk
Fortified breakfast cereals
Orange and yellow vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, mangos, and cantaloupe
Broccoli, spinach, and most dark green, leafy vegetables
Function:
Vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucus membranes, and skin.
It is also known as retinol because it produces the pigments in the retina of the eye.
Vitamin A promotes good eyesight, especially in low light.
It also has a role in healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you do not get enough vitamin A, you have more risk of eye problems such as:
Reversible night blindness
Non-reversible corneal damage known as xerophthalmia
It can also lead to hyperkeratosis or dry, scaly skin.
Vitamin A deficiency can be treated with vitamin A supplements.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260115022808.htm
Incorrect
Answer: c
Explanation:
Researchers recently uncovered new ways a vitamin A-derived molecule can interfere with the immune system’s ability to fight cancer.
About Vitamin A:
It is a fat-soluble vitamin primarily stored in the liver.
There are two types of vitamin A that are found in the diet.
Preformed vitamin A is found in animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, and dairy foods.
Precursors to vitamin A, also known as provitamin A, are found in plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables.
These compounds are converted to the active form in your body.
The most common type of provitamin A is beta-carotene.
Foods with the highest levels of vitamin A include:
Beef liver and other organ meats
Some types of fish such as herring and salmon and cod fish oil
Eggs
Dairy products such as cheese and fortified milk
Fortified breakfast cereals
Orange and yellow vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, mangos, and cantaloupe
Broccoli, spinach, and most dark green, leafy vegetables
Function:
Vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucus membranes, and skin.
It is also known as retinol because it produces the pigments in the retina of the eye.
Vitamin A promotes good eyesight, especially in low light.
It also has a role in healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you do not get enough vitamin A, you have more risk of eye problems such as:
Reversible night blindness
Non-reversible corneal damage known as xerophthalmia
It can also lead to hyperkeratosis or dry, scaly skin.
Vitamin A deficiency can be treated with vitamin A supplements.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260115022808.htm
-
Question 5 of 10
5. Question
1 pointsThe Chatham Islands, recently seen in the news, lie in which ocean?
Correct
Answer: d
Explanation:
A bloom of phytoplankton—tiny photosynthetic organisms that become visible to satellites when their numbers explode—encircled the Chatham Islands in austral summer recently.
About Chatham Islands:
It is an island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about 800 km east of New Zealand.
These islands are New Zealand’s most easterly territory.
Composed of 10 islands, they are primarily of volcanic formation, but areas of limestone indicate that they may once have been part of New Zealand.
Only the two main islands are inhabited: Chatham Island and Pitt Island.
Chatham Island, the largest of the islands, has a high southern tableland flanked by towering cliffs and a gentle northern portion encompassing extensive waterways, low peatlands and long sandy beaches.
Pitt Island has a heartland of forest and a coast of wild cliffs, headlands, and sandy beaches.
Both islands are surrounded by a number of smaller islands, all within a radius of approximately 50 km.
The Chatham Islands is the first inhabited place in the world to see the rising sun each day.
The islands were first inhabited by Moriori, who named the islands ‘Rekohu’ – translated as ‘misty skies’ or ‘misty sun’.
European sealers and whalers were next to arrive, followed by Māori from New Zealand, who named the islands ‘Wharekauri’.
Descendants of Moriori still reside on the Chatham Islands today.
The total population in 2024 was estimated to be 720.
The main settlement is Waitangi. Other settlements are Te One, Port Hutt, Kāingaroa, and Ōwenga.
The economy of the Chatham Islands is heavily dependent on fishing, farming, and tourism.
Hence option d is the correct answer.
News:https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/blooming-seas-around-the-chatham-islands/
Incorrect
Answer: d
Explanation:
A bloom of phytoplankton—tiny photosynthetic organisms that become visible to satellites when their numbers explode—encircled the Chatham Islands in austral summer recently.
About Chatham Islands:
It is an island group in the South Pacific Ocean, about 800 km east of New Zealand.
These islands are New Zealand’s most easterly territory.
Composed of 10 islands, they are primarily of volcanic formation, but areas of limestone indicate that they may once have been part of New Zealand.
Only the two main islands are inhabited: Chatham Island and Pitt Island.
Chatham Island, the largest of the islands, has a high southern tableland flanked by towering cliffs and a gentle northern portion encompassing extensive waterways, low peatlands and long sandy beaches.
Pitt Island has a heartland of forest and a coast of wild cliffs, headlands, and sandy beaches.
Both islands are surrounded by a number of smaller islands, all within a radius of approximately 50 km.
The Chatham Islands is the first inhabited place in the world to see the rising sun each day.
The islands were first inhabited by Moriori, who named the islands ‘Rekohu’ – translated as ‘misty skies’ or ‘misty sun’.
European sealers and whalers were next to arrive, followed by Māori from New Zealand, who named the islands ‘Wharekauri’.
Descendants of Moriori still reside on the Chatham Islands today.
The total population in 2024 was estimated to be 720.
The main settlement is Waitangi. Other settlements are Te One, Port Hutt, Kāingaroa, and Ōwenga.
The economy of the Chatham Islands is heavily dependent on fishing, farming, and tourism.
Hence option d is the correct answer.
News:https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/blooming-seas-around-the-chatham-islands/
-
Question 6 of 10
6. Question
1 pointsKaziranga National Park, is located in:
Correct
Answer: d
Explanation:
The Prime Minister of India is scheduled to flag off a 34.5-kilometre elevated corridor in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.
- Location: It is situated between the Brahmaputra River and the Karbi (Mikir) Hills, in Assam.
- It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
- In 1985, the park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Terrain: It is of sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes, and shallow pools.
- Rivers: The River Diffalu, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, flows through the National Park while another tributary, Moradifalu, flows along its southern boundary.
- Flora: It is primarily famous for its dense and tall elephant grasses intermixed with small swamplands. It also includes an abundant cover of water lilies, water hyacinths and lotus.
- Fauna: It is home to species like Rhino, Tiger, Eastern swamp deer, Elephant, Buffalo, Hoolock gibbon, Capped langur,
- The Gangetic River dolphin is commonly found in the habitat.
- It is inhabited by the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals.
Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
News: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/kaziranga-elevated-corridor-10478131/
Incorrect
Answer: d
Explanation:
The Prime Minister of India is scheduled to flag off a 34.5-kilometre elevated corridor in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.
- Location: It is situated between the Brahmaputra River and the Karbi (Mikir) Hills, in Assam.
- It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
- In 1985, the park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- Terrain: It is of sheer forest, tall elephant grass, rugged reeds, marshes, and shallow pools.
- Rivers: The River Diffalu, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, flows through the National Park while another tributary, Moradifalu, flows along its southern boundary.
- Flora: It is primarily famous for its dense and tall elephant grasses intermixed with small swamplands. It also includes an abundant cover of water lilies, water hyacinths and lotus.
- Fauna: It is home to species like Rhino, Tiger, Eastern swamp deer, Elephant, Buffalo, Hoolock gibbon, Capped langur,
- The Gangetic River dolphin is commonly found in the habitat.
- It is inhabited by the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals.
Hence option (d) is the correct answer.
News: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/kaziranga-elevated-corridor-10478131/
-
Question 7 of 10
7. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding Womaniya Initiative:
- It is aimed at strengthening the participation of women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in public procurement.
- It seeks to develop women entrepreneurship to achieve gender-inclusive economic growth.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) marked seven years of the Womaniya initiative.
- It was launched on 14 January
- It is a flagship programme aimed at strengthening the participation of women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in public procurement.
- Womaniya was conceived to address the limited access of women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to government markets.
- It spurs Women entrepreneurship by aligning them with opportunities to sell their products to various Government ministries, departments and institutions.
- By providing a direct, transparent and fully digital interface with government buyers, the initiative eliminated intermediaries and reduced entry barriers that had historically constrained participation.
- Impact: The initiative seeks to develop women entrepreneurship to achieve gender-inclusive economic growth.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2215001®=3&lang=1
Incorrect
Answer: c
Explanation:
Recently, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) marked seven years of the Womaniya initiative.
- It was launched on 14 January
- It is a flagship programme aimed at strengthening the participation of women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in public procurement.
- Womaniya was conceived to address the limited access of women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to government markets.
- It spurs Women entrepreneurship by aligning them with opportunities to sell their products to various Government ministries, departments and institutions.
- By providing a direct, transparent and fully digital interface with government buyers, the initiative eliminated intermediaries and reduced entry barriers that had historically constrained participation.
- Impact: The initiative seeks to develop women entrepreneurship to achieve gender-inclusive economic growth.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2215001®=3&lang=1
-
Question 8 of 10
8. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative:
- It is aimed at bridging the gap between scientific research and industry requirements, and employable skills.
- It is a collaborative flagship initiative of World Bank and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative has trained more than 1.90 lakh individuals through 5200+ skill-based trainings.
- It is a flagship national programme of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
- It is aimed at bridging the gap between scientific research and industry requirements, and employable skills.
- Objective: To seamlessly integrate skill development with science and technology by leveraging CSIR’s vast research infrastructure, widespread network domains.
- It provides inclusive accessibility, catering to a diverse spectrum of beneficiaries ranging from
- Students, young researchers, technical staff, and working professionals to school dropouts, ITI diploma holders, farmers, and rural communities
- It emphasizes to align skill training with real-world industrial, societal, and entrepreneurial demands.
- Features of CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative:
- It provides structured short-term and long-term skill development modules comprising training, internships, certification courses, and hands-on laboratory exposure.
- It equips participants with comprehensive skill development in advanced and rapidly evolving technologies interconnected with industry requirements.
- The programme spans 18 out of 36 key sectoral skills as identified by the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM).
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2215162®=3&lang=1
Incorrect
Answer: a
Explanation:
CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative has trained more than 1.90 lakh individuals through 5200+ skill-based trainings.
- It is a flagship national programme of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
- It is aimed at bridging the gap between scientific research and industry requirements, and employable skills.
- Objective: To seamlessly integrate skill development with science and technology by leveraging CSIR’s vast research infrastructure, widespread network domains.
- It provides inclusive accessibility, catering to a diverse spectrum of beneficiaries ranging from
- Students, young researchers, technical staff, and working professionals to school dropouts, ITI diploma holders, farmers, and rural communities
- It emphasizes to align skill training with real-world industrial, societal, and entrepreneurial demands.
- Features of CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative:
- It provides structured short-term and long-term skill development modules comprising training, internships, certification courses, and hands-on laboratory exposure.
- It equips participants with comprehensive skill development in advanced and rapidly evolving technologies interconnected with industry requirements.
- The programme spans 18 out of 36 key sectoral skills as identified by the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM).
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
News: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2215162®=3&lang=1
-
Question 9 of 10
9. Question
1 pointsWith reference to Root Wilt Disease, consider the following:
- It is caused by phytoplasma and spreads through insect vectors.
- It was first identified more than a century ago in Erattupetta in Kerala.
- It mainly affects production potential of Apples in Himachal Pradesh.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
Recently, phytoplasma-induced root wilt disease has destroyed large tracts of traditional coconut-growing areas in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala States.
- It is caused by phytoplasma (bacteria) is one of the most devasting diseases of coconut palms.
- Origin: It is classified as a non-fatal disease of coconut palm and was first identified more than a century and a half ago in Erattupetta in Kerala.
- It is not lethal; but it debilitates the production potential of the palms.
- Transmission: The disease spreads through insect vectors, aided by the movement of wind and uninterrupted stretches of coconut plantations.
- The root (wilt) disease occurs in all major soil types but the spread is faster in sandy, sandy loam and alluvial soil.
- Factors accelerating spread: Erratic temperatures, especially extremes, and the rise of new sucking pests, particularly whiteflies, have significantly accelerated its spread.
- Symptoms of Root Wilt Disease:
- Tapering of terminal portion of the trunk
- Reduction of leaf size
- Abnormal bending or Ribbing of leaf lets termed as flaccidity.
- Flowering is delayed and also yield is considerably reduced.
- The characteristic symptom is the flaccidity of leaflets.
- Impact: The tree quickly becomes unproductive, sheds all its nuts, and assumes a distorted appearance.
- Management: Breeding resistant and tolerant varieties remains one of the most successful tools for managing phytoplasma.
Hence only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
News: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/why-participatory-science-is-crucial-to-tackling-coconut-root-wilt-disease/article70513728.ece
Incorrect
Answer: b
Explanation:
Recently, phytoplasma-induced root wilt disease has destroyed large tracts of traditional coconut-growing areas in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala States.
- It is caused by phytoplasma (bacteria) is one of the most devasting diseases of coconut palms.
- Origin: It is classified as a non-fatal disease of coconut palm and was first identified more than a century and a half ago in Erattupetta in Kerala.
- It is not lethal; but it debilitates the production potential of the palms.
- Transmission: The disease spreads through insect vectors, aided by the movement of wind and uninterrupted stretches of coconut plantations.
- The root (wilt) disease occurs in all major soil types but the spread is faster in sandy, sandy loam and alluvial soil.
- Factors accelerating spread: Erratic temperatures, especially extremes, and the rise of new sucking pests, particularly whiteflies, have significantly accelerated its spread.
- Symptoms of Root Wilt Disease:
- Tapering of terminal portion of the trunk
- Reduction of leaf size
- Abnormal bending or Ribbing of leaf lets termed as flaccidity.
- Flowering is delayed and also yield is considerably reduced.
- The characteristic symptom is the flaccidity of leaflets.
- Impact: The tree quickly becomes unproductive, sheds all its nuts, and assumes a distorted appearance.
- Management: Breeding resistant and tolerant varieties remains one of the most successful tools for managing phytoplasma.
Hence only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
News: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/why-participatory-science-is-crucial-to-tackling-coconut-root-wilt-disease/article70513728.ece
-
Question 10 of 10
10. Question
1 pointsConsider the following statements regarding Intrinsically Disordered Proteins:
- These are proteins that lack a fixed three-dimensional structure under biological conditions.
- These proteins are important for cellular signaling and regulation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
Researchers have developed a deep-learning tool named Disobind that can predict how intrinsically disordered proteins (IDP) latch on to their binding partners.
- Intrinsically disordered proteins are defined as proteins or regions of proteins that lack a fixed or ordered three-dimensional structure under biological conditions.
- Other Names: Also called natively unfolded or intrinsically unstructured proteins.
- These are important for cellular signaling and regulation.
- Functions of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins:
- They are shape shifting molecules vital to cellular communication.
- They don’t form a fixed structure.
- They guide signalling networks.
- They help proteins move and find partners within the cell, regulate which genes are switched on or off,
- IDP support protein folding and quality control, and assemble flexible cellular hubs called condensates.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/researchers-develop-ai-tool-to-predict-how-shapeshifting-proteins-connect-inside-cells/article70509429.ece/amp/
Incorrect
Answer: c
Explanation:
Researchers have developed a deep-learning tool named Disobind that can predict how intrinsically disordered proteins (IDP) latch on to their binding partners.
- Intrinsically disordered proteins are defined as proteins or regions of proteins that lack a fixed or ordered three-dimensional structure under biological conditions.
- Other Names: Also called natively unfolded or intrinsically unstructured proteins.
- These are important for cellular signaling and regulation.
- Functions of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins:
- They are shape shifting molecules vital to cellular communication.
- They don’t form a fixed structure.
- They guide signalling networks.
- They help proteins move and find partners within the cell, regulate which genes are switched on or off,
- IDP support protein folding and quality control, and assemble flexible cellular hubs called condensates.
Hence both statements are correct.
News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/researchers-develop-ai-tool-to-predict-how-shapeshifting-proteins-connect-inside-cells/article70509429.ece/amp/
Last updated on January, 2026
→ 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 Postponed for CSE & IFS which was scheduled to be released on 14 January 2026.
→ UPSC Calendar 2026 has been released.
→ 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.
→ Prepare effectively with Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Prelims Test Series 2026 featuring full-length mock tests, detailed solutions, and performance analysis.
→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2026 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.
→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Best UPSC Mentorship Program for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.
→ UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!
→ UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.
→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India
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 16 January 2026
UPSC Daily Quiz 15 January 2026
UPSC Daily Quiz 14 January 2026
