Daily Current Affairs Prelims Practice (21-04-2026)

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1.    Which of the following is the most appropriate description of Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL), recently in news?

(a) A thermochemical process that converts biomass into liquid fuel using water as a reaction medium under high temperature and pressure, enabling direct processing of wet feedstock.

(b) A biochemical process in which wet biomass is converted into liquid fuels through microbial fermentation under anaerobic conditions.

(c) A thermochemical process that converts biomass into synthetic gas at high temperatures in the presence of limited oxygen, which is later condensed into liquid fuels.

(d) A catalytic process that converts dry biomass into bio-oil in the absence of oxygen, requiring prior removal of moisture to ensure efficiency.

2.   Consider the following statements regarding the CO₂ fertilisation effect:

  1. It increases plant growth by enhancing the rate of photosynthesis.
  2. It always results in sustained long-term carbon sequestration irrespective of soil nutrient availability.
  3. It can improve plant water-use efficiency by reducing the extent of stomatal opening.
  4. Its positive impact can decline over time due to ecological constraints such as nutrient and water limitations.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

3.   What is the most appropriate term for carbon present in water in dissolved form?

(a) Wet Carbon

(b) Blue Carbon

(c) Black Carbon

(d)  Dissolved Organic Carbon

4.    Match the following plastic categories with their size ranges (expressed using powers of 10 in metres) and typical examples:

List I (Type)List II (Size in metres)List III (Example)
A. Nanoplastics 1. less than 10^-6 m i. Dissolved-like polymer fragments in water
B. Microplastics 2. less than 5 × 10^-3 m ii. Microbeads in cosmetics
C. Mesoplastics 3. Between 5 × 10^-3 m and 2.5 × 10^-2 m iii. Bottle caps / plastic pellets
D. Macroplastics 4. Between 2.5 × 10^-2 m and 5 × 10^-1 m iv. Plastic bags / wrappers
E. Megaplastics 5. less than 5 × 10^-1 m v. Abandoned fishing nets

Select the correct combination:

(a) A-1-i, B-2-ii, C-3-iii, D-4-iv, E-5-v

(b) A-2-i, B-1-ii, C-3-iii, D-4-iv, E-5-v

(c) A-1-ii, B-2-i, C-3-iii, D-4-iv, E-5-v

(d) A-1-i, B-3-ii, C-2-iii, D-4-iv, E-5-v

5.   Which revolutionary 12th-century institution, established by Basavanna, is often described as the “world’s first parliament” for its democratic approach to spiritual and social discussions?

(a) Sangam Academy

(b) Anubhava Mantapa

(c) Vijayanagara Sabha

(d) Bhakti Parishad

6.   With reference to Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), consider the following statements:

  1. It is India’s first operational International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
  2. Financial services in GIFT City are regulated by a unified regulator instead of multiple domestic regulators.
  3. Transactions in GIFT City are mandatorily conducted only in Indian Rupees.
  4. It aims to bring offshore financial services onshore within India.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

7.   With reference to Black Panthers, consider the following statements:

  1. They are not a separate species.
  2. They are melanistic forms of leopards or jaguars.
  3. They are found in India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

8.   With reference to the role of civil services in India, consider the following statements:

  1. Civil servants act as a link between the government and citizens.
  2. They ensure continuity of governance irrespective of political changes.
  3. They are responsible only for policy formulation and not implementation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

9.   With reference to Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), consider the following statements:

  1. MSP is a process of allocating spatial and temporal use of marine resources.
  2. It focuses only on environmental conservation and excludes economic activities.
  3. It helps reduce conflicts among different marine sectors.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

10. With reference to the Electromagnetic Spectrum, consider the following statements:

  1. Gamma rays have shorter wavelengths than X-rays.
  2. Ultraviolet radiation has higher energy than visible light.
  3. Radio waves travel faster than infrared waves in vacuum.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

ANSWERS for Daily Current Affairs Prelims Practice (21-04-2026):

1.    Answer: C

2.   Answer: C

3.   Answer: D

4.   Answer: A

5.   Answer: B

6.   Answer: C

7.   Answer: D

8.   Answer: A

9.   Answer: A

10. Answer: B

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