Daily Current Affairs Prelims Quiz 20-08-2026

Assertion (A): India launched its first ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Reason (R): The guide contains specialized thematic sections focusing on pastoralism, fire ecology, and soil carbon sequestration.

a. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

b. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

c. A is true, but R is false

d. A is false, but R is true

Answer: c

Explanation: The guide was indeed launched at COP17 and maps diverse ONEs, but the article did not mention specialized thematic sections on pastoralism, fire ecology, or soil carbon sequestration.

2) COP17 of the UNCCD in Ulaanbaatar focused on:

a. Finalising a legally binding global drought protocol left unresolved at COP16.

b. Negotiating a new convention independent of UNCCD.

c. Drafting a biodiversity framework to replace KMGBF.

d. Establishing a new trade mechanism for desert minerals.

3) With reference to India’s buffalo meat exports, consider the following statements:

1. India is the world’s third largest bovine meat exporter after Brazil and Australia.
2. Buffalo meat (carabeef) exports crossed $5 billion for the first time in 2025?26.
3. India permits export of cattle beef alongside buffalo meat.

Which of the above are correct?

4) Eri silk, for which a Centre of Excellence was inaugurated in Meghalaya, is unique because:

a. It is reeled from cocoons after killing the silkworm.

b. It is known as “peace silk” since the moth leaves the cocoon naturally.

c. It is shiny like mulberry silk.

d. It is produced only in Karnataka.

5) Lithium exploitation in the Sahel region is significant because:

a. It is entirely state?controlled with no insurgent involvement.

b. Armed groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP exploit weak governance to fund insurgency.

c. Sahel has no lithium deposits.

d. It is confined only to Nigeria and excludes Mali.