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 31 January 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
. With reference to the East China Sea, consider the following:
South Korea
Japan
Philippines
China
Taiwan
How many of the above countries border East China Sea?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
China’s coast guard patrolled Japan-administered islands in the East China Sea almost daily last year, it said recently.
About East China Sea:
It is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean, located in East Asia.
It extends northeastward from the South China Sea, to which it is connected by the shallow Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and mainland China.
The Korea Strait connects it to the Sea of Japan.
To the north, the East China Sea opens up into the Yellow Sea.
To the east, you’ll find Kyūshū and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan.
The East China Sea and the South China Sea together form the China Sea.
In China, people often call it the East Sea.
The countries which border the sea include South Korea, Japan, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the People’s Republic of China.
It has an area of about 750,000 sq.km. and is largely shallow; almost three-fourths of the sea is less than 650 feet (200 metres).
Rivers: The Yellow River (Huanghe) and the Yangtze River (Changjiang) discharge into the East China Sea.
Weather in the region is dominated by the monsoon winds.
The region is influenced by the Tsushima and Kuroshio Currents as well as by a strong upwelling area northeast of Taiwan.
Islands: The sea contains several islands, with the most significant being the Ryukyu Islands, which are part of Japan, and the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.
China, Taiwan, and Japan all claim sovereignty over the Senkaku islands, which are under Japanese administration.
It has a huge presence of submerged reefs in the northern region, such as Yajiao Rock, Hupijiao Rock, and Socotra Rock.
Approximately 35% of global petroleum and petroleum product shipments traveled through the East China Sea in 2023.
China’s coast guard patrolled Japan-administered islands in the East China Sea almost daily last year, it said recently.
About East China Sea:
It is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean, located in East Asia.
It extends northeastward from the South China Sea, to which it is connected by the shallow Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and mainland China.
The Korea Strait connects it to the Sea of Japan.
To the north, the East China Sea opens up into the Yellow Sea.
To the east, you’ll find Kyūshū and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan.
The East China Sea and the South China Sea together form the China Sea.
In China, people often call it the East Sea.
The countries which border the sea include South Korea, Japan, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the People’s Republic of China.
It has an area of about 750,000 sq.km. and is largely shallow; almost three-fourths of the sea is less than 650 feet (200 metres).
Rivers: The Yellow River (Huanghe) and the Yangtze River (Changjiang) discharge into the East China Sea.
Weather in the region is dominated by the monsoon winds.
The region is influenced by the Tsushima and Kuroshio Currents as well as by a strong upwelling area northeast of Taiwan.
Islands: The sea contains several islands, with the most significant being the Ryukyu Islands, which are part of Japan, and the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.
China, Taiwan, and Japan all claim sovereignty over the Senkaku islands, which are under Japanese administration.
It has a huge presence of submerged reefs in the northern region, such as Yajiao Rock, Hupijiao Rock, and Socotra Rock.
Approximately 35% of global petroleum and petroleum product shipments traveled through the East China Sea in 2023.
Which cytoplasmic organelle is primarily involved in lipid and protein synthesis?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
Early development across vertebrates and insects critically relies on robustly reorganizing the cytoplasm of fertilized eggs into individualized cells.
About Cytoplasm:
Cytoplasm is a thick solution that fills each cell and is enclosed by the cell membrane.
It is mainly composed of water, salts, and proteins.
In eukaryotic cells (i.e., cells having a nucleus), the cytoplasm includes all of the material inside the cell but outside the nucleus, which contains its own watery substance called nucleoplasm.
All of the organelles in eukaryotic cells are located in the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm helps to keep them in place.
Among such organelles are the mitochondria, which are the sites of energy production through ATP (adenosine triphosphate) synthesis;
the endoplasmic reticulum, the site of lipid and protein synthesis;
the Golgi apparatus, the site where proteins are modified, packaged, and sorted in preparation for transport to their cellular destinations;
lysosomes and peroxisomes, sacs of digestive enzymes that carry out the intracellular digestion of macromolecules such as lipids and proteins;
The portion of the cytoplasm surrounding organelles is called cytosol, which is the liquid part of the cytoplasm.
It is composed of about 80 percent water and also contains dissolved salts, fatty acids, sugars, amino acids, and proteins such as enzymes.
These dissolved substances are needed to keep the cell alive and carry out metabolic processes.
Cytoplasm is also the site of most metabolic activities in the cell, and it allows materials to pass easily throughout the cell.
Although cytoplasm may appear to have no form or structure, it is actually highly organized.
A framework of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton provides the cytoplasm and the cell with their structure.
Though prokaryotic cells do not have organelles (they do have ribosomes), they still have cytoplasm.
Early development across vertebrates and insects critically relies on robustly reorganizing the cytoplasm of fertilized eggs into individualized cells.
About Cytoplasm:
Cytoplasm is a thick solution that fills each cell and is enclosed by the cell membrane.
It is mainly composed of water, salts, and proteins.
In eukaryotic cells (i.e., cells having a nucleus), the cytoplasm includes all of the material inside the cell but outside the nucleus, which contains its own watery substance called nucleoplasm.
All of the organelles in eukaryotic cells are located in the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm helps to keep them in place.
Among such organelles are the mitochondria, which are the sites of energy production through ATP (adenosine triphosphate) synthesis;
the endoplasmic reticulum, the site of lipid and protein synthesis;
the Golgi apparatus, the site where proteins are modified, packaged, and sorted in preparation for transport to their cellular destinations;
lysosomes and peroxisomes, sacs of digestive enzymes that carry out the intracellular digestion of macromolecules such as lipids and proteins;
The portion of the cytoplasm surrounding organelles is called cytosol, which is the liquid part of the cytoplasm.
It is composed of about 80 percent water and also contains dissolved salts, fatty acids, sugars, amino acids, and proteins such as enzymes.
These dissolved substances are needed to keep the cell alive and carry out metabolic processes.
Cytoplasm is also the site of most metabolic activities in the cell, and it allows materials to pass easily throughout the cell.
Although cytoplasm may appear to have no form or structure, it is actually highly organized.
A framework of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton provides the cytoplasm and the cell with their structure.
Though prokaryotic cells do not have organelles (they do have ribosomes), they still have cytoplasm.
Consider the following statements regarding the Zapotec civilization, recently seen in the news:
They primarily flourished in Eastern Africa.
They established a highly centralized state with a state religion.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: b
Explanation:
Archaeologists in Mexico recently discovered a 1,400-year-old tomb from the Zapotec culture that features well-preserved details, including a sculpture of a wide-eyed owl with a man in its beak, multicolored murals and calendrical carvings.
About Zapotec Civilization:
The Zapotec civilization thrived in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico, characterized by its high elevation and reliance on irrigation from the Atoyac River and its tributaries.
Emerging from hunter-gatherer societies, the Zapotecs transitioned to agriculture, developing skills in weaving, pottery, and stone masonry.
By the Classic period (200 BCE-100 CE), they established a highly centralized state, with Monte Albán as their capital, featuring impressive public architecture and a distinct social hierarchy separating nobles from commoners.
This society was marked by a professional priesthood and a state religion, where rituals included human sacrifice and complex ceremonies.
The Zapotecs also innovated in calendar systems and writing, contributing to Mesoamerican culture.
The Zapotec state was one of the earliest examples of centralized government in Mesoamerica.
It was also one of the first to experience the drawbacks of urban living, particularly the need to conquer others in order to obtain sufficient food to sustain an urban civilization.
The civilization’s art and architecture reflect a deep intertwining of religion and political power, influencing subsequent cultures like the Mixtec and Aztec civilizations.
Decline:
Decline around 900 CE shifted the capital to Mitla and later Zaachila.
Conflicts with the Aztecs in the 15th century and submission to Spanish rule in 1521 highlight their resilience amid conquests.
Today, their descendants preserve languages and traditions, making the Zapotec legacy a living part of Oaxaca’s cultural tapestry.
Archaeologists in Mexico recently discovered a 1,400-year-old tomb from the Zapotec culture that features well-preserved details, including a sculpture of a wide-eyed owl with a man in its beak, multicolored murals and calendrical carvings.
About Zapotec Civilization:
The Zapotec civilization thrived in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico, characterized by its high elevation and reliance on irrigation from the Atoyac River and its tributaries.
Emerging from hunter-gatherer societies, the Zapotecs transitioned to agriculture, developing skills in weaving, pottery, and stone masonry.
By the Classic period (200 BCE-100 CE), they established a highly centralized state, with Monte Albán as their capital, featuring impressive public architecture and a distinct social hierarchy separating nobles from commoners.
This society was marked by a professional priesthood and a state religion, where rituals included human sacrifice and complex ceremonies.
The Zapotecs also innovated in calendar systems and writing, contributing to Mesoamerican culture.
The Zapotec state was one of the earliest examples of centralized government in Mesoamerica.
It was also one of the first to experience the drawbacks of urban living, particularly the need to conquer others in order to obtain sufficient food to sustain an urban civilization.
The civilization’s art and architecture reflect a deep intertwining of religion and political power, influencing subsequent cultures like the Mixtec and Aztec civilizations.
Decline:
Decline around 900 CE shifted the capital to Mitla and later Zaachila.
Conflicts with the Aztecs in the 15th century and submission to Spanish rule in 1521 highlight their resilience amid conquests.
Today, their descendants preserve languages and traditions, making the Zapotec legacy a living part of Oaxaca’s cultural tapestry.
Which among the following best describes Exercise Agni Pariksha, recently seen in the news?
Correct
Answer: d
Explanation:
The Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police recently conducted Agni Pariksha in Arunachal Pradesh to enhance joint combat capabilities.
About Exercise Agni Pariksha:
It is a joint training exercise involving personnel from the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Location: Arunachal Pradesh
This first-of-its-kind initiative aimed to enhance inter-force combat synergy and operational integration.
It witnessed spearhead gunners of Spear Corps, along with personnel from artillery regiment, infantry battalions, and the ITBP, participating in a unique collaborative firepower training initiative validated through live artillery firing.
The primary objective of the exercise was to familiarise non-artillery personnel with artillery procedures, coordination mechanisms, and the execution of firing missions, thereby improving their understanding of firepower integration in dynamic combat scenarios.
During the training, participating infantry and ITBP personnel were systematically trained to independently undertake multiple artillery firing drills under the close supervision and guidance of experienced Spearhead Gunners.
The Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police recently conducted Agni Pariksha in Arunachal Pradesh to enhance joint combat capabilities.
About Exercise Agni Pariksha:
It is a joint training exercise involving personnel from the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Location: Arunachal Pradesh
This first-of-its-kind initiative aimed to enhance inter-force combat synergy and operational integration.
It witnessed spearhead gunners of Spear Corps, along with personnel from artillery regiment, infantry battalions, and the ITBP, participating in a unique collaborative firepower training initiative validated through live artillery firing.
The primary objective of the exercise was to familiarise non-artillery personnel with artillery procedures, coordination mechanisms, and the execution of firing missions, thereby improving their understanding of firepower integration in dynamic combat scenarios.
During the training, participating infantry and ITBP personnel were systematically trained to independently undertake multiple artillery firing drills under the close supervision and guidance of experienced Spearhead Gunners.
Which one of the following is the best description of ‘Diplocentrum papillosum’, that was in the news recently?
Correct
Answer: d
Explanation:
A new orchid species named Diplocentrum papillosum has been recently discovered in Kanthalloor, Marayoor, in the Idukki district, Kerala.
About Diplocentrum papillosum:
It is a new species of orchid.
It was discovered in the Idukki district, Kerala.
Belonging to the Diplocentrum genus, which is found only in the southern ranges of the Western Ghats, the plant has been scientifically named Diplocentrum papillosum, distinguished by the unique characteristics of its flower
This orchid thrives on rocks and tree branches, with strong roots that help it withstand powerful winds.
The specific epithet ‘papillosum’ refers to the papillose character of the flower, which is unique to the Diplocentrum species.
Its unbranched flower clusters, pink and white blooms, and distinctively shaped petals set it apart from other species in the genus.
The flowers are both fragrant and visually striking.
A new orchid species named Diplocentrum papillosum has been recently discovered in Kanthalloor, Marayoor, in the Idukki district, Kerala.
About Diplocentrum papillosum:
It is a new species of orchid.
It was discovered in the Idukki district, Kerala.
Belonging to the Diplocentrum genus, which is found only in the southern ranges of the Western Ghats, the plant has been scientifically named Diplocentrum papillosum, distinguished by the unique characteristics of its flower
This orchid thrives on rocks and tree branches, with strong roots that help it withstand powerful winds.
The specific epithet ‘papillosum’ refers to the papillose character of the flower, which is unique to the Diplocentrum species.
Its unbranched flower clusters, pink and white blooms, and distinctively shaped petals set it apart from other species in the genus.
The flowers are both fragrant and visually striking.
Living Root Bridges, recently seen in the news, are primarily found in which Indian state:
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
Recently, India submitted Meghalaya’s living root bridges to UNESCO for World Heritage status.
About Living Root Bridges:
The living root bridges are locally known as Jingkieng Jri or Lyu Chrai.
These are nestled across the lush southern slopes of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.
These are masterpieces of bioengineering created by indigenous communities.
These are grown by indigenous Khasi and Jaintia tribes over a time period of 15 to 30 years.
These bridges range in span from 15 feet to 250 feet, and last for several centuries.
Construction of Living Root Bridges:
The bridges are grown by methods of tree-shaping using the aerial roots of Ficus Elastica (Rubber fig tree/Indian rubber tree).
The underlying growth process involves recurring inosculation (joining by twining) of Ficus aerial root fibres over a gorge or river.
The process begins with placing of young pliable aerial roots in hollowed out Areca catechu
These provide essential nutrition and protection from the weather, and also perform as root guidance systems.
This assemblage is structurally supported by a bamboo scaffold, which spans the river and performs as a temporary river crossing for the local community.
Over time, as the aerial roots increase in strength and thickness, the Areca catechu trunks are no longer required.
Recently, India submitted Meghalaya’s living root bridges to UNESCO for World Heritage status.
About Living Root Bridges:
The living root bridges are locally known as Jingkieng Jri or Lyu Chrai.
These are nestled across the lush southern slopes of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.
These are masterpieces of bioengineering created by indigenous communities.
These are grown by indigenous Khasi and Jaintia tribes over a time period of 15 to 30 years.
These bridges range in span from 15 feet to 250 feet, and last for several centuries.
Construction of Living Root Bridges:
The bridges are grown by methods of tree-shaping using the aerial roots of Ficus Elastica (Rubber fig tree/Indian rubber tree).
The underlying growth process involves recurring inosculation (joining by twining) of Ficus aerial root fibres over a gorge or river.
The process begins with placing of young pliable aerial roots in hollowed out Areca catechu
These provide essential nutrition and protection from the weather, and also perform as root guidance systems.
This assemblage is structurally supported by a bamboo scaffold, which spans the river and performs as a temporary river crossing for the local community.
Over time, as the aerial roots increase in strength and thickness, the Areca catechu trunks are no longer required.
Consider the following statements regarding Coking Coal:
It is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock found within the earth’s crust.
India is the largest producer of coking coal in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
Recently, the Government of India has notified Coking Coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).
About Coking Coal:
It is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock found within the earth’s crust.
It is also known as Metallurgical coal.
Characteristics: It is a type of coal that softens and swells when heated, forming lightweight, porous coke particles, and is characterized by a free swelling index of 1 or greater.
It typically contains more carbon, less ash, and less moisture than thermal coal, which is used for electricity generation.
Coke is the main product of the high-temperature carbonisation of coking coal.
Coking coal is divided into 3 sub-categories namely,
Medium Coking Coal (low ash, medium volatile, low caking index)
Blendable/ Semi/Weak Coking Coal (low ash, high volatile, very low caking index).
Global Producers: The largest producers of coking coal were China, Australia, Russia, USA and Canada.
India has an estimated 37.37 billion tonnes of coking coal resources, largely located in Jharkhand, with additional reserves in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.
Uses of Coking Coal:
It is essential for metallurgical processes, as it exhibits caking properties that allow it to fuse into a solid mass during heating.
It is an essential ingredient in the production of steel, making it one of the most widely used building materials on earth.
Recently, the Government of India has notified Coking Coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).
About Coking Coal:
It is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock found within the earth’s crust.
It is also known as Metallurgical coal.
Characteristics: It is a type of coal that softens and swells when heated, forming lightweight, porous coke particles, and is characterized by a free swelling index of 1 or greater.
It typically contains more carbon, less ash, and less moisture than thermal coal, which is used for electricity generation.
Coke is the main product of the high-temperature carbonisation of coking coal.
Coking coal is divided into 3 sub-categories namely,
Medium Coking Coal (low ash, medium volatile, low caking index)
Blendable/ Semi/Weak Coking Coal (low ash, high volatile, very low caking index).
Global Producers: The largest producers of coking coal were China, Australia, Russia, USA and Canada.
India has an estimated 37.37 billion tonnes of coking coal resources, largely located in Jharkhand, with additional reserves in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.
Uses of Coking Coal:
It is essential for metallurgical processes, as it exhibits caking properties that allow it to fuse into a solid mass during heating.
It is an essential ingredient in the production of steel, making it one of the most widely used building materials on earth.
Consider the following statements regarding the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, recently seen in the news:
It is India’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, which aims to curb light pollution.
It is located in Sikkim.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: a
Explanation:
Recently, a rare blood-red auroral activity was captured by the all-sky camera at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Ladakh’s Hanle Dark Sky Reserve.
About Hanle Dark Sky Reserve:
Location: It is located at 4,500 metres altitude, in the remote Changthang region of Ladakh.
It is part of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, offering Bortle-1 dark skies (the darkest category).
It was notified in December 2022 by the Government of Ladakh.
It is India’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, centred around the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) at Hanle.
It is managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology
The reserve aims to curb light pollution and promote astro-tourism benefiting local communities.
The reserve is a science-driven socio-economic development project, built on two pillars:
Curtailing light pollution in the region
Promoting astro-tourism for local livelihood generation
The UT Ladakh administration supports the project by funding astro-tourism initiatives and light management plans.
Significance of Hanle: Hanle’s pristine dark skies and transparent atmosphere allow observing and photographing faint celestial objects that are often impossible from other locations in India.
Recently, a rare blood-red auroral activity was captured by the all-sky camera at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Ladakh’s Hanle Dark Sky Reserve.
About Hanle Dark Sky Reserve:
Location: It is located at 4,500 metres altitude, in the remote Changthang region of Ladakh.
It is part of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, offering Bortle-1 dark skies (the darkest category).
It was notified in December 2022 by the Government of Ladakh.
It is India’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, centred around the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) at Hanle.
It is managed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology
The reserve aims to curb light pollution and promote astro-tourism benefiting local communities.
The reserve is a science-driven socio-economic development project, built on two pillars:
Curtailing light pollution in the region
Promoting astro-tourism for local livelihood generation
The UT Ladakh administration supports the project by funding astro-tourism initiatives and light management plans.
Significance of Hanle: Hanle’s pristine dark skies and transparent atmosphere allow observing and photographing faint celestial objects that are often impossible from other locations in India.
Which among the following best describes Qalandri Dhamal, recently seen in the news?
Correct
Answer: c
Explanation:
The rich musical and spiritual heritage of Punjab will be presented at Bharat Parv 2026 at the historic Red Fort with captivating performances by the Punjabi Folk Orchestra and Qalandri Dhamal.
About Punjabi Folk Orchestra:
It is a unique ensemble developed using a wide range of traditional Punjabi folk instruments such as Dhol, Dholki, Taal-Koze, Tansari, Flute, Nagara, Chimta, Sap, Kara, and Vanjli.
It brings together rhythmic, melodic, and percussive folk instruments into a single, structured musical presentation.
Traditional Punjabi folk melodies have been thoughtfully composed and arranged for orchestral performance, preserving their authentic folk essence while presenting them in a collective and harmonious form.
Performance: The orchestra is performed by a group of twelve students, each playing a specific instrumental role.
Their performance highlights teamwork, coordination, and a deep understanding of Punjabi folk music traditions.
What is Qalandri Dhamal?
It is a traditional Sufi folk dance of Sindh and Punjab.
Qalandri Dhamal is a devotional dance expressing love and surrender to God and Sufi saints, most notably associated with the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif.
The rich musical and spiritual heritage of Punjab will be presented at Bharat Parv 2026 at the historic Red Fort with captivating performances by the Punjabi Folk Orchestra and Qalandri Dhamal.
About Punjabi Folk Orchestra:
It is a unique ensemble developed using a wide range of traditional Punjabi folk instruments such as Dhol, Dholki, Taal-Koze, Tansari, Flute, Nagara, Chimta, Sap, Kara, and Vanjli.
It brings together rhythmic, melodic, and percussive folk instruments into a single, structured musical presentation.
Traditional Punjabi folk melodies have been thoughtfully composed and arranged for orchestral performance, preserving their authentic folk essence while presenting them in a collective and harmonious form.
Performance: The orchestra is performed by a group of twelve students, each playing a specific instrumental role.
Their performance highlights teamwork, coordination, and a deep understanding of Punjabi folk music traditions.
What is Qalandri Dhamal?
It is a traditional Sufi folk dance of Sindh and Punjab.
Qalandri Dhamal is a devotional dance expressing love and surrender to God and Sufi saints, most notably associated with the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif.
Consider the following statements regarding the Paathara Practice, recently seen in the news:
A flood-resistant above-ground granary system.
It is primarily seen in the coastal plains of the Konkan region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct
Answer: d
Explanation:
Recently, it is observed that the ancient grain storage tradition named Paathara practice or Khoni is fading fast in Srikakulam district.
About Paathara Practice:
It is an ancestral practice of underground grain storage
In the storage pit freshly harvested grains, mostly paddy, are stored.
It is observed by farmers along the banks of the Mahendratanaya River in the Uddanam region of Srikakulam district, near the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha border.
This tradition thrived in the inland, hilly terrain, where underground grain storage was effective.
Key Features of Paathara Practice:
Structure: The pit is dug in a rectangular shape, plastered with straw and clay, and sealed with a layer of cow dung on top.
The Paathara was built in front of thatched houses and was an integral part of rural architecture, symbolising a thriving joint family system.
Every paddy-growing family stored enough grain for its annual needs.
Advantage: The Paathara protects grain from rodents, contamination, and theft.
Decline: Lack of space and awareness, as well as changes in rural architecture—have contributed to its decline.
Recently, it is observed that the ancient grain storage tradition named Paathara practice or Khoni is fading fast in Srikakulam district.
About Paathara Practice:
It is an ancestral practice of underground grain storage
In the storage pit freshly harvested grains, mostly paddy, are stored.
It is observed by farmers along the banks of the Mahendratanaya River in the Uddanam region of Srikakulam district, near the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha border.
This tradition thrived in the inland, hilly terrain, where underground grain storage was effective.
Key Features of Paathara Practice:
Structure: The pit is dug in a rectangular shape, plastered with straw and clay, and sealed with a layer of cow dung on top.
The Paathara was built in front of thatched houses and was an integral part of rural architecture, symbolising a thriving joint family system.
Every paddy-growing family stored enough grain for its annual needs.
Advantage: The Paathara protects grain from rodents, contamination, and theft.
Decline: Lack of space and awareness, as well as changes in rural architecture—have contributed to its decline.
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.
