UPSC Current Affairs Quiz — 13 November 2026

1.

Mawmluh Cave lies near Sohra in which state?

Mizoram Sikkim Nagaland Meghalaya

From: Mawmluh Cave: Community Conservation and a Record of the Ancient Monsoon Open full article →

2.

Consider the formation of limestone caves and their mineral deposits:

1.Mildly acidic water can dissolve carbonate rock and enlarge underground openings.

2.Stalagmites hang from the cave roof.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Mawmluh Cave: Community Conservation and a Record of the Ancient Monsoon Open full article →

3.

What is the role of a Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP)?

To measure the maximum number of visitors a cave can accommodate To classify a cave by its total surveyed length To provide an agreed physical reference for a geological time boundary To assign a conservation category to cave-dwelling species

From: Mawmluh Cave: Community Conservation and a Record of the Ancient Monsoon Open full article →

4.

Consider the climate record and geological reference at Mawmluh:

1.The Meghalayan is the earliest of the three formal subdivisions of the Holocene ratified in 2018.

2.The KM-A stalagmite preserves evidence of a weakened monsoon around 4,200 years before 1950.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Mawmluh Cave: Community Conservation and a Record of the Ancient Monsoon Open full article →

5.

The five marine nematode species described from Keralam mangroves belong to which genus?

Desmodoridae Pseudochromadora Nematoda Rhizophora

From: Five New Marine Nematodes Reveal Hidden Diversity in Keralam’s Mangroves Open full article →

6.

Consider taxonomic work on the new Keralam marine nematodes:

1.Fine body structures can help distinguish closely related species.

2.An identification key provides a sequence of choices based on observable features.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Five New Marine Nematodes Reveal Hidden Diversity in Keralam’s Mangroves Open full article →

7.

In sediment ecology, meiofauna refers to:

Dissolved mineral salts carried by tidal water Large trees growing above the high-tide line Floating colonies of microscopic algae Small animals living in and among sediment particles

From: Five New Marine Nematodes Reveal Hidden Diversity in Keralam’s Mangroves Open full article →

8.

Consider the reported locations of the five new Pseudochromadora species:

1.Sambranikodi is the Kollam mangrove location associated with three of the species.

2.Both Kollam and Kannur lie on Keralam's Bay of Bengal coast.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Five New Marine Nematodes Reveal Hidden Diversity in Keralam’s Mangroves Open full article →

9.

Science20 (S20) primarily provides:

Emergency command of disaster-response teams in G20 countries Joint scientific recommendations from G20 countries' science academies Insurance payments for disaster-damaged infrastructure Approval of national building permits

From: INSA Endorses S20 Advice on Using Technology for Disaster Resilience Open full article →

10.

Consider an effective early warning system:

1.Monitoring and forecasting need to connect with warning communication and readiness to respond.

2.Once a forecast exists, evacuation arrangements have no role in preparedness.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: INSA Endorses S20 Advice on Using Technology for Disaster Resilience Open full article →

11.

Remote sensing gathers information about a place or object:

Through direct physical contact with every measured object From a distance, including through satellite observations Through laboratory analysis of collected samples alone Exclusively through questionnaires completed by residents

From: INSA Endorses S20 Advice on Using Technology for Disaster Resilience Open full article →

12.

Consider the S20 recommendations on disaster resilience:

1.Training and community participation support context-specific use of technology.

2.Human oversight and communication of uncertainty form part of responsible decision-making.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: INSA Endorses S20 Advice on Using Technology for Disaster Resilience Open full article →

13.

The 1,000-pound figure disclosed for Rafael's SUPER ICE refers to its:

Total missile launch mass Fuel mass Launch-canister mass Warhead mass

From: Rafael Unveils SUPER ICE: A Heavier Warhead Within a Cruise-Missile Family Open full article →

14.

Consider navigation and guidance described for SUPER ICE:

1.Terrain following adjusts a flight path in relation to the shape of the ground.

2.Electro-optical image matching compares a sensed scene with stored reference imagery.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Rafael Unveils SUPER ICE: A Heavier Warhead Within a Cruise-Missile Family Open full article →

15.

A cruise missile remains supported in atmospheric flight principally through:

An unpowered ballistic trajectory throughout flight Continuous rocket thrust directed vertically upward Orbital motion above the atmosphere Aerodynamic lift, with propulsion moving it forward

From: Rafael Unveils SUPER ICE: A Heavier Warhead Within a Cruise-Missile Family Open full article →

16.

Consider the specifications in Rafael's SUPER ICE launch announcement:

1.Rafael disclosed the missile's exact range and speed.

2.A published range for the earlier ICE BREAKER establishes the same range for SUPER ICE.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Rafael Unveils SUPER ICE: A Heavier Warhead Within a Cruise-Missile Family Open full article →

17.

Adaptive reuse in the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum project means:

Replacing every historic building with a replica Adapting existing historic buildings to serve a new purpose Moving all collections into temporary outdoor displays Using only digital images instead of physical collections

From: Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum: Cabinet Approves Adaptive Reuse of North and South Block Open full article →

18.

Consider the approved Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum project:

1.Implementation is planned in phases from financial year 2026-27 to 2030-31.

2.The first gallery on adornment was already open when the Cabinet approved the project.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum: Cabinet Approves Adaptive Reuse of North and South Block Open full article →

19.

The approximately 1,78,509 square metres stated in the Cabinet announcement measures the museum project's:

Area assigned exclusively to display galleries Estimated built-up area Area of the collection's storage shelves Area of the North Block site alone

From: Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum: Cabinet Approves Adaptive Reuse of North and South Block Open full article →

20.

Consider collections and heritage in a museum:

1.The government identified around 1.8 million objects for analysis from several kinds of collection.

2.Traditional craft-making skills are a form of intangible heritage.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum: Cabinet Approves Adaptive Reuse of North and South Block Open full article →

21.

From north to south, the three newly recognised Maharashtra Blue Flag beaches are:

Shrivardhan, Ladghar, Guhagar Guhagar, Ladghar, Shrivardhan Ladghar, Shrivardhan, Guhagar Shrivardhan, Guhagar, Ladghar

From: Ladghar, Guhagar and Shrivardhan Earn Maharashtra’s First Blue Flag Awards Open full article →

22.

Consider Blue Flag beach certification:

1.A certified site must maintain compliance during its applicable award period.

2.Serious non-compliance can lead to withdrawal of the flag.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Ladghar, Guhagar and Shrivardhan Earn Maharashtra’s First Blue Flag Awards Open full article →

23.

Which organisation runs the Blue Flag programme?

International Union of Geological Sciences Foundation for Environmental Education Stockholm Environment Institute Indian National Science Academy

From: Ladghar, Guhagar and Shrivardhan Earn Maharashtra’s First Blue Flag Awards Open full article →

24.

Consider water-quality assessment for Blue Flag beaches:

1.Clear-looking water alone establishes compliance with microbiological water-quality requirements.

2.Water-quality results are kept solely within the laboratory and need not be available at the beach.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Ladghar, Guhagar and Shrivardhan Earn Maharashtra’s First Blue Flag Awards Open full article →

25.

In the University of Cordoba's experimental zinc-air battery, vitamin B12 acts as:

The zinc electrode's main metal The bulk alkaline electrolyte The carbon nanotube support A catalyst at the air electrode

From: Zinc–Air Battery Research Uses Vitamin B12 as an Electrode Catalyst Open full article →

26.

Consider oxygen reactions in the experimental rechargeable zinc-air cell:

1.During discharge, oxygen at the air electrode accepts electrons.

2.During charging, the oxygen evolution reaction releases oxygen.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Zinc–Air Battery Research Uses Vitamin B12 as an Electrode Catalyst Open full article →

27.

Why did the researchers attach vitamin B12 molecules to single-walled carbon nanotubes?

To replace the zinc electrode with a liquid fuel To prevent all oxygen from reaching the air electrode To hold the water-soluble catalyst on a supporting surface To make the electrolyte unable to conduct ions

From: Zinc–Air Battery Research Uses Vitamin B12 as an Electrode Catalyst Open full article →

28.

Consider performance and capacity decline in the experimental B12-based battery:

1.The university reported up to 250 charge-discharge cycles in its prototype.

2.The paper attributed capacity decline to improved exposure of an increasingly clean catalyst surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Zinc–Air Battery Research Uses Vitamin B12 as an Electrode Catalyst Open full article →

29.

Which two countries launched the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT)?

India and Norway Sweden and Spain India and Japan India and Sweden

From: LeadIT: India Prepares Industrial Partnerships Ahead of a Planned Third Phase Open full article →

30.

Consider industrial decarbonisation:

1.In cement production, heating limestone can release carbon dioxide through a chemical change in the raw material.

2.Changing only the source of electricity necessarily eliminates all such process emissions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: LeadIT: India Prepares Industrial Partnerships Ahead of a Planned Third Phase Open full article →

31.

LeadIT's secretariat is hosted by the:

International Council of Museums Stockholm Environment Institute Foundation for Environmental Education Indian National Science Academy

From: LeadIT: India Prepares Industrial Partnerships Ahead of a Planned Third Phase Open full article →

32.

Consider the support discussed by LeadIT members and partners in November 2026:

1.A pilot project tests an approach on a limited scale.

2.Capacity building develops skills and organisational ability to carry out the work.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: LeadIT: India Prepares Industrial Partnerships Ahead of a Planned Third Phase Open full article →

33.

Under Swachh Shehar Jodi, a mentor city principally:

Shares sanitation experience and works with a mentee on improvements Replaces the mentee's local administration Provides all infrastructure funding for the mentee Regulates sanitation services across the entire state

From: Swachh Shehar Jodi: How City Mentoring Supports Better Sanitation Services Open full article →

34.

Consider two leading Swachh Shehar Jodi pairs:

1.Ahmedabad-Sanand belongs to Gujarat.

2.Tirupati-Kuppam belongs to Madhya Pradesh.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Swachh Shehar Jodi: How City Mentoring Supports Better Sanitation Services Open full article →

35.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between mentor and mentee cities records:

The city's annual property-tax assessment schedule The agreed cooperation between the cities A national ranking formula applied to every city The boundary notification creating a municipality

From: Swachh Shehar Jodi: How City Mentoring Supports Better Sanitation Services Open full article →

36.

Consider municipal mentoring under Swachh Shehar Jodi:

1.A mentor is limited to supporting exactly one mentee.

2.Citizen feedback and grievance redressal are outside the initiative's focus areas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

From: Swachh Shehar Jodi: How City Mentoring Supports Better Sanitation Services Open full article →