UPSC Daily Quiz 5 March 2026

Answer: b

Explanation:

The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable practices on the occasion of World Wildlife Day.

About World Wildlife Day (WWD):

• It is observed every year on March 3 to celebrate wild animals and plants and recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.
• History:
  • It was established by the United Nations in 2013 after Thailand proposed to dedicate a day to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
  • On December 20, 2013, the UN General Assembly officially declared March 3 as World Wildlife Day, with the first celebration taking place in 2014.
  • This date was chosen because, in 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed on the same day.
  • CITES is a global agreement to ensure that international wildlife trade does not threaten the survival of animal and plant species.

●        WWD 2026 Theme: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”

• It highlights the importance of plants used for medicine, their role in preserving cultural traditions, and the income they provide to local communities.
• Across the world, 70–95% of people in developing countries depend on traditional medicine for basic healthcare, much of it derived from plant-based resources.
• Medicinal and aromatic plants form the foundation of traditional systems of medicine and also contribute significantly to modern pharmaceuticals.
• India is one of 17 megabiodiversity-rich countries with around 15,000 medicinal plant species, of which 8,000 are used in Indian medicine, making it one of the world’s most important hubs for medicinal and aromatic plants.

Hence option b is the correct answer.

News: https://ddnews.gov.in/en/pm-modi-reaffirms-commitment-to-wildlife-conservation-on-world-wildlife-day/

Answer: c

Explanation:

The Ministry of Defence recently signed contracts worth a total of Rs 5,083 crore for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.

About Shtil Missile:

• It is a medium-range, ship-based, vertical-launch surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by Russia.
• It primarily uses the 9M317ME semi-active radar homing (SARH) missile.
• It is designed to defend warships from aerial threats such as helicopters, supersonic fighter aircraft, anti-ship cruise missiles, and drones.
• It can engage up to 12 targets simultaneously.
• It has a range of 3.5 to 50 km and can engage targets at altitudes between 5 meters and 15 km.
• The Shtil SAM system uses the information provided by the ship’s 3D radar system.
• It has been highly automated to reduce the reaction time in the event of an attack.
• It can travel at 5 times the speed of sound.

Hence both statements are correct.

News:https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2234987&reg=3&lang=2

Answer: d

Explanation:                                                   

Researchers recently discovered a new species of Asian grass lizard named Takydromus ultapanensis from Assam’s Manas Biosphere landscape.

About Takydromus ultapanensis:

• It is a new species of Asian grass lizard.
• It was discovered in Assam’s Manas Biosphere landscape.
• It was found in the Ultapani Reserve Forest in the Kokrajhar district.
• Unlike many of its congeners found in montane or subtropical habitats, T. ultapanensis inhabits lowland, semi-evergreen forests interspersed with waterlogged grasslands and fern patches.
• Researchers recorded the lizards basking on fern bushes in small open patches criss-crossed by seasonal water channels.
• Morphologically, the new species differs from its northeastern Indian relatives—including T. khasiensis and T. sikkimensis, in scale patterns, body proportions, and diagnostic head features.
• The fact that T. ultapanensis is currently known from a single forest range raises conservation concerns.

Hence option d is the correct answer.

News:https://m.nenow.in/article/environment/new-grass-lizard-species-discovered-in-assams-manas-landscape/493252/amp

Answer: b

Explanation:

For over 20 years, residents of Mudh Village in the eastern part of Ladakh have been protecting the ruddy shelduck that visits their mountains to breed.

About Ruddy Shelduck:

• It is a migratory bird species belonging to the duck family called Anatidae.
• Scientific Name: Tadorna ferruginea
• In India it is known as the Brahminy duck.
• Habitat and Distribution:
  • It is known to breed in Central Asia and parts of Europe and spends the winter months in South Asia, including the Himalayan region.
  • Ruddy Shelducks typically arrive in the Himalayan region between October and November and leave by March or April.
  • It favors inland water bodies such as lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.
  • It is often found in open areas and is less common in forested regions. It can also be found in brackish waters and saline lagoons.
• Features:
  • It is a type of large duck. It measures 58 to 70 cm in length and boasts a wingspan of 110 to 135 cm.
  • Its plumage is primarily orange-brown, with a paler head and starkly contrasting black tail and flight feathers.
  • The white wing coverts are a distinctive feature, particularly noticeable in flight.
  • Both sexes exhibit variability in color intensity and can fade with feather aging.
  • The bill is black, and the legs are a dark grey shade.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

News:https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/saintly-guardians-of-ladakh

Answer: b

Explanation:

A major leak of hazardous oleum gas at a chemical unit in Maharashtra’s Palghar district recently led to the evacuation of over 2,600 people.

About Oleum:

• Oleum is a powerful chemical solution composed of sulfur trioxide (SO₃) dissolved in sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).
• Though oleum and sulfuric acid are closely related, they differ significantly in composition and reactivity.
  • Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a powerful acid in its own right, but oleum is even more reactive due to the additional dissolved SO₃.
  • The Contact Process is the primary industrial method for producing sulfuric acid, and by extension, oleum.
• Oleum is available in different concentrations, with the SO₃ content varying to suit industrial needs.
• It’s often referred to as “fuming sulfuric acid” due to its tendency to release SO₃ fumes upon exposure to air.
• In terms of appearance, oleum ranges from colorless to pale yellow, with an oily consistency.
• Applications:
  • Oleum’s high reactivity makes it a vital component for producing highly concentrated sulfuric acid and in synthesizing crucial chemicals like explosives, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Oleum’s high viscosity contributes to its “oily” appearance and influences its handling requirements in industrial applications.
  • It is also an efficient dehydrating agent and can strip water from organic compounds, which is essential in certain industrial reactions.
• Is Oleum Dangerous?
  • It is highly corrosive, meaning it can burn and damage skin, eyes, and other materials very quickly.
  • Because it releases toxic fumes, it can also be harmful if inhaled.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/toxic-gas-leaks-from-palghar-chemical-unit-2600-evacuated-3-persons-complain-of-eye-irritation/article70696591.ece

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, a study warns that more than a third of Africa is at risk of Cassava Brown Streak Disease.

• It is a devastating disease that causes loss of cassava root (tuber) production and quality.
• Cause: It is caused by two types of virus, Cassava Brown Streak Virus (CBSV) and Ugandan Cassava Brown Streak Virus (UCBSV).
• It was first identified in Africa in the coastal region of East Africa close to the mid-20th century.
  • Its presence has now been confirmed in several eastern, central and southern African countries, including Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, the DRC, South Sudan, Malawi and now Zambia.
• Spread: It is primarily spread by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, a pest that exists as a complex of genetically distinct groups.
  • It spreads through particular whitefly populations in sub-Saharan Africa, known as Sub-Saharan Africa 1 and 2, are highly efficient at transmitting the virus.
• Symptoms of Cassava Brown Streak Disease:
  • Symptoms of Cassava brown streak disease can be observed on leaves, stems and cassava roots
  • Typical CBSD symptoms are leaf chlorosis, brown streaks on stems and dry hard rot in roots which affects both the quality and quantity of edible storage roots. 
  • The disease causes necrosis in the roots of infected plants, often leading to total crop loss. 
• It is observed that weak clean-seed systems, whitefly transmission and climate pressures accelerating spread of Cassava Brown Streak Disease.
• Management of CBSD:  Planting of clean cassava cuttings is the main way of controlling CBSD.
  • Use of resistant varieties is the most sustainable way of controlling CBSD.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/amp/story/wildlife-biodiversity/deadly-cassava-virus-threatens-food-security-across-africa

Answer: c

Explanation:

Recently, Assam Agriculture Minister flagged off the first export of GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger to London.

• It is grown as an important cash crop in Singhasan Hills of Karbi Anglong district of Assam.
• It is cultivated using the age-old system of Jhum and Tila cultivation.
• Properties of Karbi Anglong Ginger:
  • It is one of the most aromatic and flavourful varieties of ginger in India.
  • It is renowned for its bold flavour, rich pungency, and high oil content.
  • It is known for its pungent aroma and medicinal properties.
  • The ginger has a distinct earthy flavour with a hint of spiciness that makes it perfect for cooking.
• It received the Geographical Indication tag in 2015.

Hence both statements are correct.

News: https://ddnews.gov.in/en/assam-flags-off-export-of-gi-tagged-karbi-anglong-ginger-to-london/

Answer: a

Explanation:

Recent studies have reported expanding treatment options for Cushing’s syndrome.

• It is a disorder that occurs when your body makes too much of the hormone cortisol over a long period of time.
  • Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands and helps control blood pressure, metabolism, immunity, and the body’s response to stress.
• Cause:
  • The most common cause is long-term use of steroid medicines prescribed for asthma, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, or after organ transplants.
  • The body produces excess cortisol on its own. This is usually due to a non-cancerous tumour in the pituitary gland (called Cushing’s disease).
• Signs and Symptoms:
  • Weight gain especially around the abdomen and face and develop fat buildup between the shoulders.
  • The skin becomes thin and bruises easily. Wounds may heal slowly. Wide purple stretch marks can appear on the abdomen, thighs, breasts, or arms.
  • Acne and increased facial or body hair (especially in women) can also occur.
  • Women may notice irregular or absent periods, while men may experience reduced libido or fertility issues.
  • Many people develop high blood pressure and high blood sugar, and some develop diabetes.
  • Bone loss can lead to osteoporosis and fractures.
  • Anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings, sleeps problems and memory problems.
• Risks: Women are more commonly affected than men in naturally occurring (endogenous) cases, especially between ages 30 and 50.
• Treatment:
  • Treatment depends on the cause and aims to bring cortisol levels back to normal.
  • If steroid medicines are the cause, doctors slowly reduce the dose under supervision.
  • If a tumour is causing excess cortisol, surgery is usually the first treatment.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/all-you-need-to-know-about-cushings-syndrome/article70694961.ece

Answer: b

Explanation:

Researchers at Nagaland University highlighted genetic richness of wild banana Musa sikkimensis for climate-resilient farming.

• It is a wild banana species.
• It is native to the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India.
• Other Names: It is commonly known as the ‘Darjeeling banana’ or ‘Sikkim banana’,
• Features of Musa sikkimensis:
  • It is a tall, evergreen perennial plant that belongs to the banana family.
  • It has large, paddle-shaped leaves that can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) long and 2 feet (60 cm) wide.
  • The plant produces beautiful, pendulous flowers that are a deep maroon color and can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) long.
  • It is not widely cultivated for edible fruit, it plays a crucial role in strengthening crop resilience and ensuring sustainable production.
  • Its germplasm exhibits strong adaptive potential across diverse environmental conditions.
  • It is a wild-seeded species that serves as a crucial genetic reservoir.
• Required Climatic Conditions for Musa sikkimensis:
  • It prefers high humidity levels, around 50-60%. 
  • It prefers warm temperatures between 20-30°C.
  • It can tolerate cooler temperatures, but not below 10°C.
• Significance:  It possesses traits linked to disease resistance, environmental stress tolerance and climate adaptability, making it an invaluable resource for future banana breeding and crop improvement programmes.

Hence only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

News: https://ddnews.gov.in/en/nagaland-varsitys-study-highlights-genetic-richness-of-wild-banana-for-climate-resilient-farming/

Answer: d

Explanation:

Recently, a team of researchers have discovered two previously unknown species of moniligastrid earthworms and named them as Moniligaster girishi and Drawida reynoldsi.

Moniligaster girishi:

• It is endemic to Western Ghats and belongs to the family Moniligastridae.
• It is named after P. Girish Kumar, a scientist at the Zoological Survey of India’s Western Ghats Regional Centre, Kozhikode.
• It was collected from the tropical wet evergreen forest. 
• Characteristics of Moniligaster girishi:

• It is of the gravelyi species-group.
• It is distinguished by a single undivided spermathecal atrial gland on each side of the anterior body, particularly by the condition of its prostate and prostatic capsule.
• It has a smooth, tubular capsule at one end that flattens into a strap-like shape.

About Drawida reynoldsi

• It was collected from the montane grassland.
• It is named after John Warren Reynolds, an eminent Canadian earthworm specialist.
• It belongs to the robusta species-group characterised by glandular prostates and bilobed spermathecal atria.

Hence option (d) is the correct answer.

News: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/two-new-earthworm-species-discovered-in-silent-valley/article70699940.ece