5) Answer: (D)
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, originating from primary
sources like microbeads in cosmetics and secondary sources from the breakdown of larger
plastics such as bags, bottles, and synthetic clothing fibers. They pollute oceans, rivers, soil,
and air worldwide, harming marine life through ingestion, disrupting ecosystems, and
carrying toxic chemicals that bioaccumulate in food chains.
Due to their small size and high surface-area-to-volume ratio, microplastics act as "chemical
sponges." They possess a hydrophobic surface that allows them to adsorb and concentrate
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals from the surrounding water. When
marine life ingests these particles, these toxic chemicals enter the food chain, eventually
affecting human health. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) identifies riverine inputs/discharges (from
rivers carrying land-based plastics) and abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG)
as predominant sources of microplastic pollution along India's coasts. Hence, statement 2 is
correct.
The Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2025, introduced a mandatory
digital tracking system. As of July 1, 2025, all plastic packaging must feature a QR code or
barcode. This initiative aims to:
●
Ensure Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance.
●
Trace the origin and quality of the plastic.
●
Prevent the mixing of non-recyclable polymers that are prone to fragmenting into
microplastics. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer

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Consider the following statements about Rauvolfia serpentina:
1. Rauvolfia serpentina is endemic to India, found only in the sub‑Himalayan regions
and plains.
2. It is traditionally used as an antidote for treating snake bites and insect stings.
3. It is included in CITES Appendix II to regulate its international trade due to
over‑exploitation for medicinal use.

1) Answer: (B)
Rauvolfia serpentina is not endemic to India; it is native to the Indian subcontinent and
other parts of Southeast Asia. It occurs naturally in the sub‑Himalayan tract (Himachal
Pradesh eastwards to Sikkim and Bhutan), Assam, Gangetic plain hills, Eastern &
Western Ghats, central India and the Andamans. Beyond India, it is found in Nepal,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Malaysia, Thailand, and Java (Indonesia).
Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
Rauvolfia serpentina is prized for its medicinal properties. Its root contains bioactive indole
alkaloids, including reserpine, which has been used traditionally to lower blood
pressure,hence It is considered one of the most effective natural remedies for hypertension,
traditionally used to treat mental disorders, snake bites, and insect stings. Hence statement
2 is correct.
Rauvolfia serpentina is included in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). This listing is intended to regulate
and monitor its international trade due to over‑exploitation for medicinal use.
Appendix II includes species not necessarily currently threatened with extinction but that
may become so unless trade is controlled. Hence statement 3 is correct
Therefore, option B is the correct answer

Which of the following are the indigenously developed fighter jets in India?
1. LCA Tejas
2. Rafale
3. MiG-29

2) Answer: (A)
●
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is India's only active indigenously
developed fighter jet. It was designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency
(ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Hence
option 1 is correct.
●
The Rafale is a fourth-generation(4.5th) fighter jet developed by France. Hence
option 2 is Incorrect.
●
The MiG-29 is also a fourth-generation fighter jet developed by Russia. Hence option
3 is Incorrect.
●
Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

The Strait of Hormuz lies between which of the following?
(a) Persian Gulf and Gulf of Aden .
(b) Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman .
(c) Arabian Sea and Red Sea .
(d) Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea

3) Answer: (B)
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow and strategically important waterway in West Asia.
●
It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.
●
From the Gulf of Oman, the waters open into the Arabian Sea.
●
Geographically, it lies between Iran (north) and Oman (Musandam Peninsula) to the
south.
It is one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints, as a significant portion
of global petroleum exports passes through it.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Consider the following statements regarding Basmati rice production and export in India:
1. India is the world’s largest exporter of Basmati rice, supplying over 70% globally.
2. Around 70–80% of India’s Basmati exports are destined for West Asia.

5) With reference to Unique Identification Authority of India(UIDAI), consider the following
statement:
1. UIDAI is a statutory body and functions under the Ministry of Electronics and
Information Technology (MeitY).
2. Bal Aadhaar is issued to children below 5 years of age, and it does not capture
biometrics; only a facial photograph is recorded.
3. Private entities may avail Aadhaar authentication voluntarily, subject to authorization
under a law passed by Parliament.

5) Answer: (D)
●
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a statutory body established
under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, having transitioned from an executive body
(2009–2016) to a statutory authority, and it functions under the Ministry of Electronics
and Information Technology (MeitY). Aadhaar serves as a proof of residence and
not as proof of citizenship or domicile. It collects both demographic details (such as
name, date of birth, gender, and address) and biometric information (including
fingerprints, iris scans, and a facial photograph). All such data is securely stored in the
Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR). Hence statement 1 is correct.
●
Bal Aadhaar (Blue Aadhaar) is issued to children below five years of age and does
not capture biometric data; only a facial photograph is taken. It must be linked to the
Aadhaar of at least one parent or guardian. Once the child attains the age of five, the
card becomes invalid unless a Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU)—including
fingerprints and iris scans—is completed, and a second MBU is required at the
age of fifteen. In 2026, the government conducted a mission-mode drive, concluding
in March 2026, to facilitate the completion of MBUs for schoolchildren directly on
school campuses.Hence statement 2 is correct.
●
In 2018, the Supreme Court in the Puttaswamy (Aadhaar) judgment struck down
Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, which had permitted private companies to use
Aadhaar authentication, citing concerns over the emergence of a “surveillance
state.” Subsequently, through the Aadhaar (Amendment) Act, 2019, the government
restored the provision by allowing the voluntary use of Aadhaar by private entities
such as banks and telecom service providers, subject to authorization under a law
passed by Parliament. Further, under the “Good Governance” Rules notified in
February 2025 (with additional notifications in early 2026), the framework was
expanded to permit private entities to apply for Aadhaar authentication if their
services promote objectives such as ease of living, innovation, or public interest.
Hence statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option D is the correct answ

1) 2) 3) Daily MCQ: 06.02.2026
With reference to the UN Charter, consider the following statements:
1. UNSC can authorize the use of force against a country in cases of a breach of
international peace or an act of aggression.
2. The inherent right of self-defence of a state under the UN Charter arises only when
an actual armed attack occurs.
3. The UNSC may authorize the use of military force to restore international peace if
non-military measures prove insufficient

2) 3) Daily MCQ: 06.02.2026
With reference to the UN Charter, consider the following statements:
1. UNSC can authorize the use of force against a country in cases of a breach of
international peace or an act of aggression.
2. The inherent right of self-defence of a state under the UN Charter arises only when
an actual armed attack occurs.
3. The UNSC may authorize the use of military force to restore international peace if
non-military measures prove insufficient
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Consider the following statements about silver:
1. Mexico is the largest producer of silver in the world.
2. Silver demand has increased significantly due to its use in solar photovoltaics.
3. India is the world's largest importer of silver.