1. Shree Chamundeshwari Temple, that was recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Karnataka High Court criticized the State Government for violating judicial orders banning construction at Shree Chamundeshwari Temple. The temple is located atop Chamundi Hills in Karnataka and is a major religious site. It is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The original structure dates back to the 12th century under the Hoysala rulers. It was later expanded during the Vijayanagara Empire in the 17th century Common Era (CE).
2. What is the IUCN conservation status of Woolly-Necked Stork, that was recently spotted in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu?
[A] Critically Endangered
[B] Endangered
[C] Vulnerable
[D] Near Threatened
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Near Threatened]
Notes:
Rare sightings of the Woolly-Necked Stork have been reported from paddy fields near Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, indicating suitable wetland habitat conditions. The Woolly-Necked Stork, also called White-necked or Bishop Stork, belongs to the stork family Ciconiidae. It is a widespread tropical species found in Africa and Asia, including India and Indonesia. In India, it is more common in northern regions but now sighted in southern wetlands. It is listed as Near Threatened in International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Conservation status.
3. The PACE satellite mission has been launched by which space organization?
[A] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
[B] China National Space Administration (CNSA)
[C] European Space Agency (ESA)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)]
Notes:
Recent research shows PACE Satellite can detect nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution at very fine scales, identifying emissions from individual factories and highways. This is a major advancement in air quality monitoring and environmental governance. PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and Ocean Ecosystem) is a NASA satellite mission. It was launched in 2024 into a Sun-synchronous orbit for consistent global observation. It provides hyperspectral coverage of Earth every 1–2 days. It improves climate studies by offering finer wavelength resolution than earlier satellites.
4. The ALH Mk III is a variant of which indigenous helicopter?
[A] Dhruv
[B] Rudra
[C] Prachand
[D] Chetak
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dhruv]
Notes:
Recently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over four ALH Mk III Maritime Role helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard, boosting maritime capabilities. ALH Mk III is the maritime variant of the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter. It is indigenously designed and manufactured in India, supporting self-reliance in defence. It is a multi-role, twin-engine helicopter suited for complex maritime operations. It enhances operational readiness, rapid response, and surveillance efficiency of the Indian Coast Guard.
5. Recently, which institute successfully cultivated Morchella mushrooms in controlled conditions for the first time?
[A] Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
[B] G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology
[C] Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology
[D] Birsa Agricultural University
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology]
Notes:
Recently, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture and Sciences successfully cultivated Morchella mushrooms in controlled conditions for the first time. Morchella Mushroom is an edible fungus belonging to the Ascomycota group and family Morchellaceae. Locally known as Gucchi or Kangaech, it grows naturally in high-altitude forests during a short rainy season. It is highly valued for its rich flavour, high nutrition, and medicinal properties. It is found in conifer forests of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir.
