Daily Current Affairs Quiz: January 3, 2026

Answer: C [Trapping of pollutants close to the ground]
Explanation:

During a temperature inversion, a layer of warm air lies above cooler air near the surface. This suppresses vertical air movement, preventing pollutants from dispersing upward. As a result, pollutants accumulate near the ground, often causing smog and poor air quality, especially in urban areas.

Answer: A [1 only]
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The troposphere contains most atmospheric moisture and dust, enabling clouds, rainfall, storms, and wind systems that collectively produce all major weather phenomena.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Temperature in the troposphere decreases with altitude due to falling air pressure and adiabatic cooling, at an average lapse rate of about 6.5°C per 1000 metres.

Answer: A [Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A]
Explanation:

Assertion is correct: Temperature inversion suppresses vertical air movement, leading to accumulation of pollutants near the surface, thereby increasing smog formation and worsening air quality in cities.

Reason is correct: A warm air layer above cooler surface air prevents convection, restricting upward dispersion of pollutants and causing them to remain concentrated near the ground.

Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion: The reason correctly explains the assertion because restricted vertical mixing under inversion conditions directly causes pollutants to accumulate near the surface, resulting in higher pollution levels during inversion events.

Answer: D [A-2, B-3, C-1]
Explanation:

Troposphere: It is the lowest atmospheric layer containing moisture and dust, where clouds, rainfall, cyclones, and almost all weather-related phenomena occur.

Mesosphere: This layer burns up incoming meteoroids due to friction, protecting Earth from meteor impacts.

Thermosphere: It contains ionised gases responsible for auroras and plays a crucial role in radio communication.

Answer: B [Stable air with minimal vertical movement]
Explanation:

1. The stratosphere has stable atmospheric conditions due to temperature inversion.
2. Vertical air movement and convection are minimal, reducing turbulence.
3. Absence of clouds and storms ensures smoother flight paths.
4. Jet aircraft experience better fuel efficiency due to steady air.
5. Predictable wind patterns support long-distance aviation.