1. Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) is located in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
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Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
To promote tourism and wildlife conservation, the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) administration in Kota launched a poster and trailer of a documentary titled Enchanting Mukundra. Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, also called Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, spreads across Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, and Chittorgarh districts of Rajasthan. It lies in a valley between the Mukundra and Gargola mountain ranges. It forms a vital wildlife corridor between Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
2. India’s largest circular stone labyrinth was recently discovered in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Gujarat
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Rajasthan
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Correct Answer: C [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Archaeologists discovered India’s largest circular stone labyrinth in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur, Maharashtra. It is made of small stone blocks arranged in multiple circular rings. The rings guide movement inward to a tightly coiled central spiral, showing high precision and symbolic meaning. The structure is linked to Indo-Roman trade during the Satavahana dynasty period. Soil accumulated between the stone rings indicates it remained untouched for several centuries. Its design resembles Mediterranean labyrinths seen on Roman-era coins. The central spiral reflects the Indian concept of Chakravyūha, a complex military formation described in the Mahabharata.
3. Akash Next Generation (Akash-NG) missile system has been developed by which organisation?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation
[C] Indian Space Research Organisation
[D] Bharat Electronics Limited
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Defence Research and Development Organisation]
Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed User Evaluation Trials of the Akash Next Generation (Akash-NG) missile system. Akash-NG is a modern Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) defence system developed by DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). It is designed to protect vital areas from enemy air attacks. It is the advanced successor of the Akash missile. The new version is lighter and more advanced. It uses an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully indigenous radars with Command, Control, and Communication (C2) systems.
4. Neelus sikkimensis, a new species of Collembola, was recently discovered in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Meghalaya
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Sikkim
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Correct Answer: D [Sikkim]
Notes:
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered Neelus sikkimensis in the high-altitude region of Sikkim. It is a new species of Collembola, which are tiny soil-dwelling micro-arthropods. This is the first time the genus Neelus has been recorded in India. With this discovery, the total number of Neelus species worldwide has increased to eight. The species has a microscopic body adapted to living deep inside soil and moss. It has no eyes, showing adaptation to dark underground environments.
5. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The 40th Asian Waterbird Census and 60th International Waterbird Census (IWC) will record bird species in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and nearby wetlands. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Andhra Pradesh within the Godavari estuary, where the Coringa River meets the Bay of Bengal. It contains India’s second-largest mangrove forest along with dry deciduous tropical forests. The Asian Waterbird Census is an annual citizen-science programme under the global IWC for wetland conservation. In India, it is conducted by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
