Daily Current Affairs UPSC: News Based MCQs Quiz | 11th September 2025

Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2

Detailed Explanation

• Baikal epischura (Epischura baikalensis) is a species of small, transparent freshwater shrimp found exclusively in Lake Baikal, Siberia,. It is the most abundant crustacean in the lake and plays a crucial role in maintaining its exceptional transparency by consuming algae and organic particles. This endemic species is vital to the lake’s ecosystem, serving as a key food source for fish and acting as a natural water purifier.
• Key Characteristics
• Location: Endemic to Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake.
• Description: A transparent, microscopic freshwater crustacean.
• Diet: Feeds on phytoplankton (microscopic algae) and other suspended organic matter.
• Ecological Role: Filters large volumes of water, keeping the lake clear and acting as a primary food source for other organisms in the lake’s food web.

• The Yamal Peninsula has no bordering countries, as it is located entirely within Russia and bordered by the Kara Sea and its bays (Baydaratskaya Bay and Gulf of Ob). It is situated in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug of northwest Siberia.
• The Yamal Peninsula is not a land border with another country but rather a landmass that extends into the Arctic Ocean.
• It serves as a geographical marker, with its northernmost point being the Malygina Strait, and the Bely Island located beyond it.

Answer: (A) 1 only

Detailed Explanation

• Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a 3 stage Launch Vehicle configured with three Solid Propulsion Stages and liquid propulsion based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as a terminal stage.
• SSLV is 2m in diameter and 34m in length with lift off weight of ~120 tonnes. SSLV is capable of launching ~500kg satellites in a 500km planar orbit from SDSC/SHAR.
• The key features of SSLV are Low cost, with low turn-around time, flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites, Launch on demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements, etc.

Answer: (D) None of the above

Detailed Explanation

• An official of a political party who acts as the party’s enforcer inside the assembly or Parliament. He is responsible for the party’s behaviour on the floor of the house.
• Based on the conventions of the Parliament and not mentioned in the constitution or any rule.
• Senior members is generally appointed to issue whips and is called Chief Whip assisted by additional whip. Legislator may be disqualified on disobeying the whip.
• In Presidential elections, the whip cannot direct the MoP/ MLAs to vote in a particular fashion.
• 3 types of whips
• One Line – inform members of a party about a vote, members allowed to abstain if not following party lines.
• Two Line – Direct members to be present in the house during voting.
• Three Line – direct members to vote as per the direction of the party line.

Answer: (C) Delhi

Detailed Explanation

• Delhi was the first Union Territory to issue a caste certificate based on a mother’s credentials, specifically for a child of a single mother in January 2022.
• This historic move addressed a systemic issue where children of single mothers often could not obtain SC/ST certificates because the previous process required the father’s caste credentials.

Answer: (D) None of the above

Detailed Explanation

• Exercise Dharma Guardian
  • Description – Bilateral military exercise held alternately in India and Japan.
• Exercise Samudra Lakshman
  • Aim- coordination between the Indian and Royal Malaysian Navy.
• Exercise Tiger Triumph
  • About-India and the United States, bilateral tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
  • Aim – conducting HADR operations and to refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for smoother coordination.