Daily Current Affairs Prelims Quiz 02-01-2026 (Online Prelims Test)
1) Consider the following statements
The oldest and thickest Arctic sea ice has declined by more than 95% since the 1980s.
Arctic amplification phenomenon is causing high albedo which in turn leading to higher temperatures and melting ice.
Select the correct statements using the code below:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct – According to the Arctic Report Card 2025 published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Arctic recorded the highest surface air temperatures in the last 125 years.
Shrinking glaciers, rising ocean temperatures, and declining sea ice are key indicators of Arctic warming.
The oldest and thickest Arctic sea ice has declined by more than 95% since the 1980s.
Statement 2 is incorrect – Arctic warming is occurring at more than twice the global average rate, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification.
Arctic amplification decreases albedo, hence the reflectivity of ice reduces and causing increase in temperature, thus aids faster melting of ice.
The Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE) was believed to be the China's first imperial dynasty that laid the foundation for imperial China.
During this dynasty period, major projects like the Great Wall and famous Terracotta Army in his tomb are initiated.
The Qin Straight Road is built during this period reflects the Qin dynasty’s ambition to unify and control China through infrastructure.
Select the correct statements using the code below:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : c
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct – The Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE) was China's first imperial dynasty, though a short-lived one, laid the foundation for imperial China.
Statement 2 is correct – Initiated major projects like the Great Wall and famous Terracotta Army in his tomb, extensive road and canal networks.
Statement 3 is correct – The Qin Straight Road is the 2nd largest national defence project in ancient China, following the Great Wall, and reflects the Qin dynasty’s ambition to unify and control China through infrastructure.
3) Which of the following strait connects Gulf of Aden and Red sea?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : b
Explanation
1 is incorrect – Strait of Hormuz connects Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf
2 is correct – Bab-el-Mandeb strait connects Gulf of Aden and Red sea
3 is correct – Bosporus strait connects Sea of Marmara and Black Sea
4 is correct – Kerch strait connects Sea of Azov and Black Sea
4) Consider the following statements about Sambhar Lake
It is the largest inland saltwater lake in the world and acts as crucial habitat for migratory Flamingos.
It is located in Gujarat state of India.
Select the correct statements using the codes below:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : d
Explanation
Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect – Sambhar Lake as a crucial habitat for migratory Flamingos, highlighting ecological significance.
It is the largest inland saltwater lake in India It sits west of Jaipur (Rajasthan, NW India).
Caspian Sea is the world’s largest saltwater lake located at the junction of Europe and Asia, bordered by Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan.
It was designated as a Ramsar site in 1990 and surrounded on all sides by the Aravalli hills.
Species – Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) and Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor).
Winter visitors, attracted by saline conditions and abundant food (algae, brine shrimp).
5) Consider the following statements about Northern White Rhino
They are grazing mammals that prefer evergreen forests, savannahs and rest under shade trees.
They are solitary in nature and meet often for mating only.
Female northern white rhinoceroses are noticeably larger than males.
Select the correct statements using the codes below:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : d
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect – They are grazing mammals that prefer open grasslands, savannahs, and shrublands and rest under shade trees.
Statement 2 is incorrect – They live in groups of up to 10 individuals and use their horns to fight.
Statement 3 is incorrect – Male northern white rhinoceroses are noticeably larger than females.
The males can weigh up to 1,600 kg, stand nearly 2 meters tall, and measure between 3.7 and 4 meters in length.