Daily Current Affairs — 12 November 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 12 November 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
🎯 30 MCQs
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Indian Polity MCQ Quiz · भारतीय राजव्यवस्था प्रश्नोत्तरी
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Environment
Cloud Seeding
As Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) face hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels post-Diwali in November 2026.
- However, the efficacy of this attempt is being questioned, as the previous trials conducted in October 2025 yielded negligible rainfall
- About: Cloud seeding is a weather modification technology
- When droplets become sufficiently large and heavy, they can no longer remain suspended in the atmosphere and fall as precipitation (rain).
- In colder clouds, water droplets may freeze or water vapour may deposit directly onto ice nuclei, forming ice crystals
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- They provide a dense, highly effective base for water vapor to condense
- Impact on Air Pollution: Washout Effect (Coagulation): As artificial rain falls
- Pre-existing Clouds: Cloud seeding cannot generate rain from clear skies; it strictly requires existing cloud cover.
- Cloud Depth and Moisture: The target clouds must have sufficient vertical depth
- Short-Term Relief: It only addresses the symptoms of air pollution, not the source
- Over Delhi, winter clouds are often too dry or shallow to yield significant rainfall even when seeded.
Which of the following statements about Cloud Seeding is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Environment
Air Pollution in India
An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
- Bengaluru was the only megacity to keep its air quality slightly below the NAAQS limit, recording an average PM2.5 concentration of 39 g/m³.
- Southern and Central/Northeastern India performed the best
- Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5): Microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the atmosphere
- It is not emitted directly but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx)
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- They are emitted from paints, solvents, vehicle exhaust, and industrial processes, and play a major role in smog formation.
- Photochemical Smog: A brownish-gray haze caused by the action of solar ultraviolet radiation on an atmosphere polluted with hydrocarbons
- Air Quality Index (AQI): A color-coded tool for effective communication of air quality status to people
- In India, NAAQS covers 12 pollutants (the 8 in AQI plus Benzene, Benzo(a)Pyrene, Arsenic, and Nickel).
- GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan): An emergency set of anti-pollution measures implemented in the Delhi-NCR region
- The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
Which of the following statements about Air Pollution in India is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Environment
Cloud Seeding in Delhi
The Delhi government partnered with IIT-Kanpur to conduct cloud seeding experiments to combat rising post-monsoon air pollution.
- However, experts from the Ministry of Earth Sciences have cautioned
- About: Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique aimed at enhancing precipitation (rain or snow) from existing clouds.
- Cloud seeding cannot create clouds, but works only when there are naturally formed clouds with sufficient moisture.
- Cloud Seeding in India & Across Globe: The India's Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has conducted several studies under the Cloud Aerosol
Show 6 more facts
- States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu have experimented with cloud seeding for drought relief.
- China extensively uses cloud seeding for weather control, especially before major events (e.g., 2008 Beijing Olympics).
- Reducing air pollution by washing out pollutants (as proposed in Delhi).
- Lack of Rain-bearing Clouds: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies October to December as the post-monsoon season
- Even when clouds are present, their composition, temperature, and moisture levels must be ideal for seeding
- These are infrequent and unpredictable, making it difficult to plan cloud seeding operations in advance.
Which of the following statements about Cloud Seeding in Delhi is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
History
Aerosol Levels Hit 20-year Low
According to the data published by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), aerosol levels in northern India at the beginning of April were significantly below the normal for this time of year.
- The levels were the lowest in 20 years of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations.
- MODIS is a key instrument on NASA's satellites designed to monitor the Earth's atmosphere, ocean, and land surface
- Aerosols are defined as a combination of liquid or solid particles suspended in a gaseous or liquid environment.
- In the atmosphere, these particles are mainly situated in the low layers of the atmosphere (< 1.5 km) since aerosol sources are located on the
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- However, certain aerosols can still be found in the stratosphere, especially volcanic aerosols ejected into the high altitude layers.
- The origin of atmospheric aerosols is either natural or the result of anthropogenic activities
- Anthropogenic aerosols include sulfate, nitrate, and carbonaceous aerosols, and are mainly from fossil fuel combustion sources.
- They have important impacts on air quality and human health (e.g. aerosols can cause damage to heart and lungs).
- Use of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD): The data published with maps show Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) in 2020 compared to the average for 2016-2019
- If aerosols are concentrated near the surface, an optical depth of 1 or above indicates very hazy conditions.
Which of the following statements about Aerosol Levels Hit 20-year Low is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Economy
Western Disturbances
Variations in the intensity and locations of the Western Disturbances have brought heavy rainfall to Delhi during some months and kept the city dry and in the grip of a heat wave at other times.
- Western disturbances are storms that originate in the Caspian or Mediterranean Sea
- They are labelled as an extra-tropical storm originating in the Mediterranean
- In 2021, Delhi witnessed the rainiest October in 65 years
- Excess rainfall was also recorded in January and February this year
Show 6 more facts
- Multiple western disturbances that brought cloud cover had also kept the maximum temperature low in February 2022
- Active western disturbances eluded northwest India in March 2022, and absence of cloud cover and rain allowed temperatures to remain high.
- The frequency of western disturbances has increased
- Western disturbances are low-pressure areas. If it is a feeble western disturbance, it will not have moisture to precipitate.
- For precipitation, you need moisture, and by virtue of a warming atmosphere, there is less amount of moisture available to precipitate.
- Simultaneously, because of warming in the atmosphere, western disturbances are going higher in elevation
Which of the following statements about Western Disturbances is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
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Economy
Dry Ice
Recently, mistaking dry ice for a mouth freshener at a Gurugram restaurant caused a severe incident, emphasising the lethal nature of the substance.
- Dry Ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide, is commonly used as a cooling agent for food products like ice cream, frozen desserts etc
- It is crucial for preserving perishable items like food and medical supplies during transport, maintaining ultra-low temperatures.
Environment
Volatile Organic Molecules & EVs
Recently, a study conducted by Indian Institute of Science Education.
- Gases escaping out of a vehicle's exhaust account for 65-80% of an automobile's emissions.
- India is home to 14 out of the top 20 most polluted cities globally. Around 1.67 million deaths were linked to air pollution in 2019
- Therefore, adopting electric vehicles can help India achieve a cleaner future.
- VOCs are carbon-containing chemicals released by petrol and diesel vehicles. They impact air quality and human health
Show 6 more facts
- Long-term exposure to VOCs is not good because the majority of the VOCs are carcinogenic (cancer-causing).
- It is also linked to medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.
- Black carbon is linked to health problems such as respiratory and cardiovascular disease, cancer and congenital disabilities
- VOCs also trigger the formation of Particulate Matter (PM2.5), a pollutant that reaches deep into the lungs, affecting their normal functioning.
- Benzene, a chemical that induces cancer, is the only VOC included in the National ambient air-quality standards.
- The other pollutants under ambient air-quality standards considered are PM10
Which of the following statements about Volatile Organic Molecules & EVs is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
History
Devices to Control Air Pollution – reporting
The air purifiers installed on the roads and on top of the buses have failed to combat air pollution in Delhi NCR.
- The air purifying devices include WAYU (Wind Augmentation PurifYing Unit) and High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filters.
- It is developed to address air pollution at traffic intersections and dense traffic zones.
- It has been indigenously developed by the Council of Scientific
- The device has the capacity to purify the air in an area of the 500-meter square. It is energy efficient and has a low maintenance cost.
Show 3 more facts
- The device works on two principles: Wind generation for dilution of air pollutants: It comprises a fan that sucks in air and removes dust
- Active Pollutant removal: The carbon monoxide
- These filters are able to trap 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns.
Which of the following statements about Devices to Control Air Pollution – Drishti IAS is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Environment
Nitrogen Pollution
Recent research has stated that by 2050, one-third of global river sub-basins are projected to face severe scarcity of clean water due to nitrogen pollution.
- About: Nitrogen pollution refers to the excessive presence of nitrogen compounds in the environment, primarily in water bodies like rivers and lakes
- One of the main drivers of nitrogen pollution has been the rising consumption of nitrogen-based fertiliser
- Agricultural Activities: One of the main drivers of nitrogen pollution has been the rising consumption of nitrogen-based fertilizer
- Improper storage and management of livestock waste can lead to nitrogen runoff, contaminating water bodies and contributing to eutrophication.
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- The livestock sector currently emits 65 teragrams (Tg) of nitrogen per year, equivalent to one-third of current human-induced nitrogen emissions.
- These emissions contribute to air pollution and can have regional and global impacts on atmospheric chemistry and climate.
- Eutrophication: Excess nitrogen acts as a nutrient fertiliser for aquatic plants, leading to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic vegetation
- High levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and increase the risk of respiratory infections
- Depletion of the ozone layer can increase the risk of skin cancer
- It also leads to the creation of tropospheric ozone which creates respiratory illnesses.
Which of the following statements about Nitrogen Pollution is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Economy
IoT Revolution and Smart Future
The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a transformative force, infusing intelligence into everyday things around us, thereby profoundly impacting our daily lives.
- Connectivity: It enables device communication over networks (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G), working with both wired and wireless connections.
- Remote Monitoring: Users can remotely access and manage devices, such as viewing home security cameras on smartphones.
- Sensors & Actuators (The Physical Layer): These are the eyes and hands of IoT, interacting with the real world
- Cellular (4G/5G) (Long-range) for smart cities, agriculture, and logistics solutions.
Show 6 more facts
- Smart Cities: IoT sensors optimize traffic management by reducing congestion and accidents
- E.g., The city of Jaipur has launched the "Jaipur Smart City" project, featuring smart lighting systems and intelligent traffic management solutions.
- E.g., Tesla's Autopilot is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that uses AI, cameras, radar
- Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: Many IoT devices use weak default passwords
- Industry consortia and standardization bodies like Organizations like Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) must collaborate to create global protocols
- Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU and similar frameworks in other regions should be strictly enforced.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a transformative force, infusing intelligence into everyday things around us, thereby profoundly impacting our daily lives.
With reference to IoT Revolution and Smart Future, consider the following statements:
- Connectivity: It enables device communication over networks (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G), working with both wired and wireless connections
- Remote Monitoring: Users must remotely access and manage devices, such as viewing home security cameras on smartphones
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source.
Not quite. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source. The green option is the correct one.
Indian History MCQ Quiz · भारतीय इतिहास प्रश्नोत्तरी
A second members-only subject quiz – lock in today's study session
Current affairs alone will not clear Prelims. Close the day on the static syllabus with this members-only quiz.
