1. Kasargodia sheebae and Pilarta vaman, that were recently seen in news, belongs to which species?
[A] Frog
[B] Spider
[C] Crab
[D] Fish
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Crab]
Notes:
Recent research discovered a new genus and two new species of freshwater crabs named Kasargodia sheebae and Pilarta vaman in the Western Ghats of Kerala. They belong to the freshwater crab family Gecarcinucidae. Kasargodia sheebae’s genus name is derived from Kasargod, the northernmost district of Kerala. It has a brownish-orange carapace with many black spots and orange claws with black spots. Pilarta vaman is named after Vaman, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, referring to its small size.
2. Which state government has launched the ‘Garud Drishti’ social media monitoring and cyber intelligence project?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Odisha
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Recently, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis launched the ‘Garud Drishti’ social media monitoring and cyber intelligence project in Nagpur to curb online hate, misinformation, and cybercrime. ₹10 crore recovered from cybercrime cases was distributed to victims during the event. The tool will help police detect hate posts, anti-India propaganda, caste-tension content, and online drug sales. It will be extended to other units to strengthen state-wide law and order.
3. Which state government has launched India’s first drone-based artificial rain trial?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Punjab
[D] Haryana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
Recently, Rajasthan launched India’s first drone-based artificial rain trial at Ramgarh Dam, shifting from aeroplane-assisted to unmanned aerial vehicles for cloud seeding. The project uses around 60 drones and is a joint effort between the state agriculture department and GenX AI (US and Bengaluru-based). It aims to revive the 129-year-old dam, which has been dry for 20 years. The project involves multi-department coordination with approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for drone use. Cloud seeding uses particles like silver iodide to boost rainfall, with potential up to 20%, though results vary.
4. What is the name of the operation launched by the Border Security Force along the Rajasthan border ahead of Independence Day?
[A] Operation Suraksha
[B] Operation Eagle
[C] Operation Vijay
[D] Operation Alert
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Operation Alert]
Notes:
The Border Security Force (BSF) launched Operation Alert along the Rajasthan border from 11 to 17 August to strengthen security before Independence Day. The operation includes intensified patrols, drills, and a review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to counter potential threats. BSF aims to implement strict border management and improve preparedness through monitoring and counterplanning using advanced gadgets.
5. What is the theme of International Youth Day 2025?
[A] Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond
[B] Green Skills for Youth
[C] Intergenerational Solidarity
[D] Transforming Food Systems
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond]
Notes:
International Youth Day is celebrated globally every year on August 12 to recognize youth contributions, challenges, and potential. It was first proposed in 1991 at the World Youth Forum in Vienna, Austria. The World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth declared August 12 as International Youth Day in 1999. The United Nations General Assembly endorsed it in December 1999. The first celebration was held on August 12, 2000. The 2025 theme is “Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond.”
