1. With reference to the Smew (Mergellus albellus), recently sighted in Kaziranga National Park, consider the following statements:
1. It is the smallest species of diving duck native to the Eurasian Taiga.
2. In India, it is a common resident bird found across all Himalayan and Peninsular wetlands.
3. Its presence in new geographical areas like the Kaziranga landscape is considered an indicator of climate-driven range shifts.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) None
2. With reference to the second-generation NavIC satellites (NVS Series), consider the following statements:
1. Unlike the first-generation (IRNSS) satellites, the NVS series includes the L1 band, making it compatible with civilian smartphones.
2. The NVS-02 satellite was the first in the series to successfully use an imported Hydrogen Maser atomic clock for better precision.
3. NavIC operational range extends across the Indian landmass and encompasses a region up to 1,500 km beyond its national borders.
4. NavIC is the only system globally that utilizes the S-band for navigation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
3. Consider the following pairs of Navigation Systems and their Operating Countries/Regions:
Navigation System Country / Region
1. GLONASS Russia
2. Galileo European Union
3. BeiDou Japan
4. QZSS China
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs
4. With reference to BirdLife International, consider the following statements:
1. It is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
2. It is the official authority for bird species assessments under the IUCN Red List.
3. It identifies Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) using globally standardized scientific criteria.
4. In India, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is its partner organization.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4 only
5. With reference to the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme, consider the following statements:
1. It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at the integrated development of pilgrimage destinations.
2. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Culture to preserve the spiritual heritage of ancient temples.
3. It follows an area-based development approach to improve civic infrastructure in heritage and pilgrimage towns.
4. The scheme includes provisions for promotion of local arts, crafts and cultural heritage through skill development.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
6. Regarding Gravitational Waves, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. They were predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916 as a part of his General Theory of Relativity.
2. These waves are “ripples” in space-time that travel at the speed of light.
3. They carry information about their origins, such as the collision of black holes or neutron stars.
4. LIGO detects these waves by measuring minuscule changes in the distance between mirrors using laser beams.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
7. With reference to the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), consider the following statements:
1. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
2. It is included in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
3. It is listed in Appendix I of CITES.
4. It is the State animal of West Bengal.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
8. With reference to the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme, consider the following statements:
1. It is a World Bank supported Central Sector scheme.
2. It is implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None
9. With reference to the following military exercises, consider the pairs:
Exercise Participating Countries
1. Dharma Guardian India – Japan
2. Vajra Prahar India – United States
3. Yudh Abhyas India – France
4. Malabar India – Japan – Australia – United Kingdom
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
10. With reference to peatlands and climate change, consider the following:
1. Peat develops in aerobic (oxygen-rich) soil conditions.
2. Peatland degradation can convert a carbon sink into a carbon source.
3. Tropical peatlands are found in countries such as Indonesia.
Which of the above are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANSWERS for Daily Current Affairs Prelims Practice (26-02-2026):
1. Answer: (b)
2. Answer: (c)
3. Answer: (b)
4. Answer: (c)
5. Answer: (a)
6. Answer: (d)
7. Answer: (c)
8. Answer: (a)
9. Answer: (b)
10. Answer: (a)
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